Situated between Chorley and Southport, Croston’s history can be traced back to the 7th Century when St Aidan arrived at the riverside settlements and a cross town was founded. In fact it is the only village in the country to bear the name Croston or Town of the Cross.
The boundaries of Croston once extended to include other villages such as Bretherton, Hesketh Bank, Hoole, Mawdesley, Rufford, Tarleton, Ulnes Walton and Walmer Bridge. Gradually these villages broke away, to leave Croston in its present state since 1835.
The aristocratic De Traffords, who owned property in Manchester, also owned land in Croston and resided at Croston Hall, situated in Grape Lane, from the middle ages until the 1960’s.
At the centre of the village is St. Michael and All Angels church. At the opposite end of Church Street is a stone cross erected in 1953 on what is believed to be the base of an ancient preaching cross.
Next to Church Street is the cobbled Town Bridge, which dates back to 1682 and crosses the River Yarrow opposite The Grapes public house.
Croston’s rural location makes it very popular with cyclists and ramblers.