There are many views on Preston’s association with the Lamb and Flag emblem. One of the most commonly held views is that it is associated with days gone-by when Preston was called Priest Town and the lamb signifies the Prince of Peace or ‘lamb of god’.

The lamb is also linked to St. Wilfrid who is the Patron Saint of Preston. The ‘PP’ on the emblem is latin for Prince of Peace – ‘Princeps Pacis’ but latterly it is often referred to as Proud Preston. Other theories suggest the name of Preston is associated with Viking visitors who sailed up the River Ribble.

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Interestingly the Mayoral chain and badge commissioned to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887 shows the lamb standing rather than sitting. It also has three letter ‘Ps’ rather than the two we have now.

There are many examples of the Lamb and Flag emblem – it appears on many ‘Coats of Arms’ but you usually see the lamb standing as in the original version on the Mayoral chain. If you start to look for the lamb and flag emblem as you go about your business in Preston you will see lots of examples. This one is on the gates of Moor Park School.

Photo: Fuji x100 1/280 f4 ISO400

Paul Melling [Paul Melling Photography]