It goes back to 16C and 17C records to list the ale-housekeepers in both towns and then examines the history of the past and present inns that were situated there, giving the names of their licensees where known. The text is enhanced with illustrations.

The material in this booklet was originally published in 1988 by the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley's Libraries Division. It has been updated and published by Léonie Press in order that the information should continue to be available to new readers.

I have always had an interest in history and archaeology but apart from reading about the subjects did nothing practical about them until the the opening of the Whiston Community Centre in 1973 when a public meeting was held to discuss ideas for activities in which young and old could participate.

I suggested a Local History Group - to my surprise about a dozen people came forward and a meeting was held which led to the formation of the Whiston Historical Society. A committee was formed and I was elected as Honorary Secretary, a position I have held for the past 30 years!

In 1974 Liverpool University held a 10-week course on Local History at Prescot which helped to put us on track for research and in 1979 I did a correspondence course on Industrial Archaeology with the Open University.

I co-authored "The Inns of Prescot & Whiston" in 1988. It was originally published by the Metropolitan Borough of Knowsley's Libraries Division but cutbacks in local authority services have meant it has been out of print for some years. Following the success of my book "A History of Wiston" Leonie Press has re-published it.