The city of Preston in Lancashire is renowned for its industrial heritage, with centuries of textile manufacturing and its boom years during the Industrial Revolution. However, as this book reveals, industry is but one aspect of its rich and fascinating past. In Preston: A Potted History, local author Keith Johnson explores the city’s heritage, charting its journey from earliest times right up to the present day. He highlights the significant events, incredible achievements and enthralling interludes that have taken place in the city, which was known in Saxon times as ‘Priest’s Town’. Not surprisingly monks and monasteries, churches and chapels, preachers and parsons have all contributed to the growth of the place. Through successive centuries the author looks at Preston’s people and their progress, the transport and trade, industry and innovations, celebrations and ceremonies, education and entertainment, along with the political and military conflicts. This engaging and informative book reveals the poverty, turmoil, triumphs and transformation that Preston has undergone throughout history. Illustrated throughout, this accessible historical portrait will be of great interest to residents, visitors and all those with links to the city.

'New book exploring Preston’s rich history and heritage.' -- Blog Preston, March 2024
'This book is not just about the past, it helps us consider how the city of the future should develop.' -- Preston Historical Society Magazine, September 2024

Keith is an engineering design/development engineer having worked in the Printing Press industry for over thirty-five years. His hobbies include running, walking, gym training, railways and local history. He has studied history for the last twenty-five years both locally and nationally and has had a number of successful books to his name. He has also contributed numerous articles on local history to the Lancashire Evening Post for the last fifteen years, and is a member of the Crime Writers Association and the Lancashire Authors Association. He currently lives in Preston.