1777 Preston's first cotton mill opens

View of Preston in early 19th century.

In 1777 the first cotton mill or spinning factory was opened in Preston by William Collison. This marked the beginning of Preston's industrial expansion.

The factory stood in Moor Lane on the site now occupied by the telephone exchange. Collison later went into partnership with John Watson. The arrival of cotton factories in Preston began to transform the landscape of the town.