Preston Pledge and prehistoric Lancashire – free public events at UCLan this September

31 August 2023

University invites public to explore different times in local history

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) is inviting people to explore local history, from the very recent to prehistoric times, in two free public events this September.

Preston Pledge - in 1832, 1932 and your own for 2032, and Making Yourself at Home in a New Place, will take place in Preston’s Mobile Event Tent (MET), currently situated on the University Square, on the 5 and 12 September respectively.

For Preston Pledge on the 5 September, Temperance Movement expert Dr Annemarie McAllister will explore the Preston Pledge through the Ages.

Preston is famous for the ‘teetotal’ pledge to avoid all alcohol which was signed in 1832, by one of the founders of UCLan, Joseph Livesey. In 1932 visitors came to Preston from around the world to celebrate the centenary of this, and new pledges were signed.

"Temperance Movement expert Dr Annemarie McAllister will explore the Preston Pledge through the Ages."

After a short introduction to pledges and how they’ve changed in nearly two centuries, attendants can design their own, using some examples from the collection in UCLan’s archives, and suggest what they want to happen by 2032.

Heading back much further in time, Making Yourself at Home in a New Place will see UCLan archaeologist Rick Peterson to explore migration, people and objects in the north-west from 11,000 to 6,000 years ago.

In this interactive lecture and workshop, Rick will look at new evidence from prehistoric Lancashire and Cumbria and explore how people made and used pottery, clothing and food in prehistory. In particular, the event will look at what migrants into the area produced.

“We will be examining how making and using things can help people feel at home in a new place” Rick said. “The session will include an opportunity to have a go at prehistoric pottery making so please come prepared to get a little bit messy.”

"The session will include an opportunity to have a go at prehistoric pottery making so please come prepared to get a little bit messy."

UCLan archaeologist Rick Peterson

Preston Pledge - in 1832, 1932 and your own for 2032, will take place on Tuesday 5 September 6.00pm – 7.00pm in the MET and Making Yourself at Home in a New Place will take place the following Tuesday, 12 September, 6.00pm – 7.00pm in the same location.

Both events are free but people are asked to book tickets via Eventbrite:

For more information contact the UCLan Public Engagement Team.