Preston did not have any nearby coal mines, as was usual with other rapidly industrialising towns in Lancashire. However, it was well served by transport links, namely the River Ribble and the Lancaster Canal. There was also a surfeit of capital in the hands of a wealthy middle class.
Forty Five vessels were registered in Preston in 1824.
The port of Preston played an important role in the economy of the town. There was a large Irish trade, with Preston merchants using locally registered ships . Moreover, a large amount of coal come into Preston via the port of Preston. This mostly came from Wigan. The Lancaster Canal link to the Leeds and Liverpool canal was yet to be completed and in fact never was.
TBC
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