a market-town of England, in Lancashire, 8 miles E. of Liverpool, and 198 N.E. of London. It stands on an eminence, and is a straggling place, consisting of one long street on the road between Liverpool and Manchester. The parish church, an ancient building with a lofty modern spire, is a very conspicuous object, not only in the town, but in the whole of the adjacent country. The Primitive Methodists, Wesleyans, Independents, and Unitarians have also churches in the town. A grammar school (founded in 1792, and having in 1852, 90 pupils), a girls' school, and an infant school, are the principal educational establishments here. Prescot has also a town-hall, a prison, several alms-houses, and a mechanics' institute. The principal manufactures of the town are those of watch-making tools, and the more delicate parts of watch machinery, for which Prescot has long been famous; files of excellent quality and engravers' tools, as well as coarse pottery, are also made; and there are here rope-works and cotton-spinneries. Coal mines are worked in all parts of the surrounding country. The chief supply of coal for Liverpool is obtained from these collieries. Markets are held here twice a week, and there are also several fairs. Pop. (1851) 7893.