The Anglo-Saxon town of Preston, whose name comes from the Old English for ‘priest settlement’, boasts evidence of even earlier Roman activity, such as the Roman road that led to Walton-le-Dale. Once home to a booming centuries-old cotton manufacturing centre, the decline of this industry after the First World War saw the city’s fortunes decline markedly.Over the twentieth century, Preston, the buildings and the inhabitants have witnessed countless changes. From the fire that destroyed the Victorian town hall in 1947 to the modern Guild Hall built in 1972, Preston contains many interesting gems, both old and new. Secret Preston goes behind the familiar scenes to discover the lesser-known stories of the city’s fascinating past, brought to life by revealing images of the past and present.