Yesterday I attended a 4 hour talk at Alston Hall by Stephen Sartin, one of Prestons most knowledgeable local historians as well as art expert. The subject was ‘Preston through its maps’. The subject of Preston and of maps creates double appeal to myself and I wasn’t disappointed. Even though Stephen did his usual trick of having enough material to talk for days even though I think he could talk for days on a single slide and no-one would mind at all.
Starting at Ptolemy in AD150 the Ribble estuary was clearly shown. Roman routes and then through time to maps of the 19th century along with pictures of what the maps were showing. The story of the Battle of Preston was presented as a battle commentary, John Simpson eat your heart out, using a map showing the burning houses and troop positions. We followed the progress of the troops coming up from the river and the fighting and burning along Church Street. As well as the positions to the north of the town and their push into the centre.
We were treated to the development of the town from its core in the Flag Market and Town Hall. The speculation about the origin of the orchard or garden now under the covered market. Also the story of the fine alibastar church mantle given to Preston by Queen Mary and possibly also buried under the covered market which was the site of the vicarage of St John’s. An excuse to dig up the floor of the covered market is required to check this.
Mr Sartin gives regular talks at Alston Hall usually about Preston with a couple more coming up soon. Not to mention the magnificent lunch that Alston Hall is renowned for and its coffee break refreshments especially the cakes after the talk. A good day. To be recommended.