Croston is a village and civil parish in Lancashire, England between Chorley and Southport and is next to the River Yarrow. St. Michael's and All Angels' Church is at the centre of the village. At the end of Church Street there is a stone cross which was erected in 1953. There is a 15th-century cobbled pack horse bridge which crosses the River Yarrow. The village green is used as a venue for the annual May Day Madness, Bastille Day (14 July) celebrations and Christmas Fair.

History

Croston began in the 7th century when St. Aidan arrived at the riverside settlements. In the absence of a church, a cross was erected as a place of worship. Croston literally means 'cross-town' and is derived from the two Old English words 'cross' and 'tun. The name is unique as there are no other Crostons in the UK.
Centuries ago the parish of Croston was far larger than it is today. It included Chorley, Much Hoole, Rufford, Bretherton, Mawdesley, Tarleton, Hesketh Bank, Bispham, Walmer Bridge and Ulnes Walton. A charter granted by Edward I in 1283 permitted an annual medieval fair and market to be held on the village green. Ancient maps also depict a castle which is believed to have been of a wooden construction because there is no evidence of a stone structure.
Croston used to have a large brick police station which has recently been refurbished. It was replaced by a smaller police station in the 1970s. It is similar in style to those in the surrounding areas, notably Bamber Bridge and Leyland police stations, however considerably smaller. This police station has recently closed.
Croston is twinned with the French town of Azay le Rideau, just South West of Tours, France. Azay boasts a French Renaissance Chateau, one of the famous Chateaux of the Loire, and is a popular tourist hotspot.

Croston Old School

Croston Old School is a Grade 2 listed building which originates from 1660. It is situated in the centre of the village at the end of Church Street and next to the 900 year old church. Until 1999 the buildings were used as a school. Croston Old School Community Trust's grant from the National Lottery for £481,062 has funded the majority of a scheme to create a Community Resource Centre for Croston. :thumbup: :thumbup: