Records show that Preston was already a trading port by the 12th century and from around the mid-14th century ships would come up the river to unload and shelter in a natural basin known in its time as 'Preston Anchorage', where the Moor Brook joined the Ribble. In 1806 the Ribble Navigation Company was formed, and construction of the New Quays wharf (later renamed Victoria Quay) commenced a few years later further downstream along the section of the river where Marsh Lane joined Strand Road.
records show that preston was already a trading port by the 12th century and from around the mid-14th century ships would come up the river to unload and shelter in a natural basin known in its time as 'preston anchorage' where the moor brook joined the ribble in 1806 the ribble navigation company was formed and construction of the new quays wharf (later renamed victoria quay) commenced a few years later further downstream along the section of the river where marsh lane joined strand road