In 1830 Preston was described as a borough, market-town and parish; 217 miles from London, 31 N.N.E. of Liverpool , the like distance N.W. of Manchester, 22 S.S.E. of Lancaster, 18 N.N.E. of Ormskirk, 11 S.S.E. of Garstang, and 9 N. of Chorley. It is situated on the an eminence, to the north of the river Ribble; and is said to have risen from the ruins of an ancient city, called Ribchester, and to take its name, Priest-town, from its having then been the residence of considerable numbers of churchmen.