Longridge

Longridge
Lancashire
Longridge town centre
Location
Grid reference:	SD606374
Location:	53°49’52"N, 2°35’49"W
Data
Population:	7,546  (2001)
Post town:	Preston
Postcode:	PR3
Dialling code:	01772
Local Government
Council:	Ribble Valley
Parliamentary constituency:	Ribble Valley

Longridge is a small town in Lancashire, eight miles north-east of the city of Preston, at the western end of Longridge Fell, a long ridge above the River Ribble, which has given the town its name.

Longridge's nearest neighbours are Grimsargh and the Roman town of Ribchester (Bremetennacum), 3½ miles to the south-east. The parish of Longridge had a population of 7,546 recorded in the 2001 Census.

History

The Battle of Preston (1648) started from Longridge, Cromwell halting there before taking on Royalist forces from Scotland.

Longridge initially developed outwards from an area around St Lawrence's Church, at the boundary of the townships of Dilworth and Alston and to the south of the modern-day town centre. Though there was a thoroughfare called 'Market Place', there was no development around that area. Most of the development of the town occurred after 1800. After this time, development occurred at a much faster pace, with expansion northwards including a mill to the north of Kestor Lane.

The demand for stone from Longridge's quarries led to the opening of the Preston and Longridge Railway in 1840 to carry the stone away, for use in such places as Lancaster town hall and Liverpool Docks. The arrival of the railway led to the opening of several cotton mills and the town grew considerably larger from the mid-19th century.

The mills and quarries have now all closed, although stone quarried in the town was used to construct the M55 motorway in the 1970s. One of the quarries was used as Longridge motor-racing circuit between 1973 and 1978.

Longridge railway station closed to passengers in 1930, and the railway was dismantled in 1967. The station buildings where then used as offices for the parish council until 2010 when the Longridge Social Enterprise Company began a project to renovate and reopen the buildings to the public with help from the Lottery Heritage Fund. The Longridge Station is now home to a heritage centre, the Old Station Café and has various business facilities available.

Housing

The appearance of the town centre has changed little from when it was first built. Many of the buildings are built of locally quarried sandstone and despite more modern developments the town centre remains largely as it was when it was first developed. The town itself has expanded since the closure of the quarries with the building of new housing estates, as well as council housing.

Community

The town is home to 11 pubs, several restaurants, a public library, and a number of primary and high schools. It is also home to an Air Training Corps squadron.

Longridge is also the location of Alston Hall, a residential adult education college operated by Lancashire Adult Learning.

The local football club, Longridge Town FC, has two senior teams and plays in the West Lancashire Football League. Its ground and clubhouse are situated off Inglewhite Road, behind the Alston Arms. As of 2011, Longridge has its own monthly farmers' market.

Events

Longridge Field Day is a long-standing annual event that consists of a parade through the town and various attractions being held on the town's recreational playing field. It donates money to a different local charity each year. The Field Day organisers also run a pram race through the town, usually on Boxing Day each year, to raise funds for both the Field Day and a local charity.

Outside links

• History of Longridge
• Longridge Town Council Website
• The Longridge Social Enterprise Company
• Longridge Online, Events and Business Directory for Longridge
• Longridge News, The Town Newspaper
• Official website of Longridge Town FC