Prestbury, Cheshire

Template:GBthumb Prestbury is a village about 1.5 miles (3 km) north of Macclesfield, Cheshire northwest of England. It sits on both banks of the River Bollin.

History

Prestbury began as the administrative centre of a large rural parish in the diocese of Chester and had a monastery called 'St Werberg's'. According to one theory, the name comes from 'Preostburgh' meaning Priest's Town. According to another, the name comes from the Priestnall family who were the original owners of the land on which Prestbury was founded. Much of the village was originally marshland.

During the early 19th century, it became involved in the silk industry. During the 20th century, it developed into a residential area with a reputation for affluence.

Scientists have evidence which suggest that there was a settlement at the site of Prestbury during the Bronze Ages. Several sharpened flints and a number of clay pot fragments have been unearthed in the Bollin Valley bridleway which links Prestbury to Macclesfield.

Historical Status

In 2004, Prestbury achieved its status as a English Heritage Site after a document was discovered suggesting William Shakespeare owned a property in Prestbury between 1585 and 1587 - whether Shakespeare used this residence or not is unconfirmed.

Important buildings

• The 14th Century Priest's House
• The Norman Chapel
• The Parish Church
• The Admiral Rodney - a very old, traditional pub which acts as a focal point within the community.

Nearby:

• Adlington Hall

Prestbury is renowned as being a very wealthy place and many of the cast of Coronation Street and team members of Manchester United live there.

Famous Residents

File:DC0023.jpg

Sir Trevor Brooking outside Prestbury Church

• Wayne Rooney, professional football player who currently plays for both Manchester United and the England national football team
• Noddy Holder, former frontman of popular band Slade
• Robbie Savage, professional football player, Hatefigure, and captain of Blackburn Rovers
• Brad Friedel, professional football player, goalkeeper of Blackburn Rovers
• Wes Brown, professional football player, currently playing for Manchester United
• Caroline Monk, model who starred in Channel Five's reality TV show 'Real Life Desperate Housewives'
• Alan Green, BBC Radio 5 Live football commentator
• Trevor Brooking, former football player turned manager, pundit and administrator.
• Alex Truswell, party going young man hes been seen in many loctions in London such as The Grosvener House, Ritz and Harrods

The Toff

One of Prestbury's slightly less appealing residents is known as "The Toff" (pictured) by locals. He can regularly be found in the horse stables on Butley Lanes riding his beloved horse Mairzy. Mairzy is a 17-year-old Shire Horse, distinguishable by his often comical laugh. The two are rarely found apart and in 2003 the Toff was forced to resign from his post as Chairman of Prestbury Cricket Club after allegations of zoophilia.

• The man himself, Mr R. Toff
  The man himself, Mr R. Toff
• Toff's beloved horse, Mairzy and Child. Allegedly, Toff is the Father.
  Toff's beloved horse, Mairzy and Child. Allegedly, Toff is the Father.

External links

• Photos at www.bootsandpaws.co.uk
• Oliver Wood's photos
• Historical information
• Prestbury Parish Council