Prescot in historic gazetteers

Gazetteer of the British Isles (Edinburgh: Bartholomew, 1887). John Bartholomew

Prescot.-- manufacturing and market town, par., and township with ry. sta., SW. Lancashire - par. (containing the bor. of St Helens and the town of Widnes), 37,221 ac., pop. 105,478; township, 270 ac., pop. 5546; town, 8 miles E. of Liverpool by rail, pop. 6419; P.O., T.O., 1 Bank. Market-days, Tuesday and Saturday. The town, which comprises all Prescot township and part of Eccleston township, stands principally upon a sub-stratum of coal, several mines of which are worked. The mfrs. of watch tools, watch movements, and hands, have long been noted industries of this place. There is also the mfr. of small files of superior quality, which are exported in large quantities. Pin-wire drawing originated here. Coarse earthenware, glass bottles, nails, and ropes are also manufactured, and there are breweries and a tannery. In addition to the markets Prescot has important cattle fairs.