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Prestbury, Cheshire

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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.

Church

St. Peter's Church in Prestbury is the oldest in its parish and houses a Saxon Cross in its graveyard.

Famous Residents

File:DSC002.jpg
Sir Trevor Brooking outside Prestbury Church