Here’s 11 people who have, in some way or another, share an unusual connection to Preston.
5. Oliver Cromwell
One of his most important victories during the English Civil War came at the Battle of Preston, which took place in in 1648 in Walton-le-Dale. Cromwell and his troops stayed in nearby Stoneyhurst College on the eve of battle. Photo: submit
6. Coolio
The Gangsta’s Paradise rapper, who died in 2022 aged 59, created one of the biggest songs of the 1990s. Coolio, real name Artis Leon Ivey Jr, had performed at a Preston music venue and somehow ended up spending the night in the city after making friends with a group of UCLan students. Their late-night jamming sessions included a raucous acoustic rendering of his biggest and has been viewed near 9 millions on YouTube. Photo: Kevin McGuinness
7. David Beckham
Beckham was a promising Manchester United starlet when he was sent 25 miles up the M6 to Preston North End on a loan deal. He went on to spend time in another white kit, a small, little-known Spanish outfit called Real Madrid. Photo: Kevin McGuinness
8. Charles Dickens
Literary giant Charles Dickens visited Preston several times during his life. ONe of his most first significant visit to Preston took place during the great ‘Lock Out’ which began in October 1853 as the workers attempted to have pay restored to previous levels and witnessed first-hand the appalling conditions workers endured. The following year, Dickens published Hard Times, his only novel not to be set to have scenes set in London. Instead the story takes place in Coketown, a fictional northern town, based on his experiences in Preston. Photo: John & Charles Watkins