Skelmersdale is a town in West Lancashire, England. As of 2006, it had a population of 38,813, down from 41,000 in 2004. Designated as a new town in 1961, Skelmersdale is situated south-southwest of the city of Preston. Coal mining was once of great importance in the region; today, light industry is predominant. History Etymology Skelmersdale means "Skjaldmarr's valley", from the Old Norse personal name Skjaldmarr + probably Old Norse dalr (or Old English dæl) "dale, valley". The name wa… (More on Skelmersdale)