13 fascinating meanings behind place names in and around Preston - from Oliver Cromwell to a Viking's house
By Catherine Musgrove
Published 28th Apr 2023, 15:45 BST
The towns, villages and hamlets around Preston have a rich history dating back thousands of years.
Earliest settlements are even mentioned in the Domesday Book.
But where do their names come from?
Do you know why Preston is called Preston, where Goosnargh comes from, or that Oliver Cromwell has played his part naming one town?
We’ve researched 13 different places in the area to discover the heritage of their titles. Take a look below.
Do you know why Preston is called Preston, where Goosnargh comes from, or that Oliver Cromwell has played his part naming one town?
9. Lea
Lea: The name Lea is taken from the old English word 'laeh' meaning 'a clearing in the wood' and, the first recorded use of the name was in the Domesday Book of 1086. Photo: Google
Longridge: On their journey to Preston, Oliver Cromwell and his army marched along the lower slopes of Longridge Fell and legend has it that Cromwell gave the town its name 'long ridge'. Photo: Google
Penwortham: Penwortham's name is derived from Pen (a hill), Wort (green) and Ham (settlement); at the time of in the Domesday Book the place was called Penverdent. Photo: Google
Tardy Gate got its name from the Tardy family. They had a toll gate across Leyland Road, and had a house on the opposite side to the Tardy Gate pub. Photo: Google