Preston, a place that was once known as Irishtown, is a suburb of Melbourne that radiates history. It’s a place where the past and present collide, where you can feel the echoes of its early settlers and the buzz of a vibrant, multicultural community.
It all started in the 19th century. Preston was first surveyed all the way back in 1837 by Robert Hoddle. The area was initially sold as large blocks of land. In 1841, Samuel Jeffrey became Preston’s first permanent resident. The region known as Irishtown, after him, was named for its early Irish settlers.
During the 1850s, Edward Wood, a settler from Sussex, England, opened a store and post office on the corner of High Street and Wood Street. It was this store where, in 1856, they changed the area’s name to Preston, after a village near their former home in Sussex.
The industrial boom of the 1860s brought a new energy to Preston. This period saw the establishment of a bacon-curing factory, a tannery, and other industries. These early industries led to the area being called “Porktown.”
The growth of Preston continued on into the 20th century. The arrival of a railway line in 1889, followed by tram lines and an electrified rail service, made Preston more accessible and attractive for more people.
By 1926, the suburb had been proclaimed a city. The decades after the Second World War saw a significant influx of Macedonian and Asian immigrants who added to the city’s multicultural fabric.
Today, Preston is a diverse, thriving community with a rich history. It’s a place where you can find everything from traditional markets and vibrant shopping strips to historic pubs and modern cafes.
You’ll find something for everyone in Preston, and I hope you get the same warm welcome that I did, all those years ago.