History of Blackburn
Early Blackburn
In the Middle Ages Lancashire was a poor area with few towns. At that time Blackburn was just a village. However, in the 16th century, Blackburn grew into a small market town. As well as weekly markets it also had annual fairs (in those days fairs were like markets but they were held only once a year and people came from all over Lancashire to attend a Blackburn fair). From 1514 Blackburn also had a grammar school.
Then from the late 18th century with the Industrial Revolution and the growth of the cotton industry, Blackburn mushroomed. By the time of the first census in 1801, Blackburn had a population of about 11,000. It would not seem large to us but by the standards of the time, Blackburn was an important town.
Blackburn in the 19th Century
As Blackburn grew a huge number of houses were built. They would seem horrid to us but poor people had always lived in small, crowded houses. A typical house in the late 19th century had 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms upstairs and downstairs a combined kitchen and living room at the front, and a scullery at the back. Working-class houses did not have bathrooms and toilets were sometimes shared with neighbors.
However, amenities did improve in Blackburn during the 19th century. From 1803 a body of men called Improvement Commissioners had powers to pave and clean the streets of Blackburn and from 1819 the streets were lit by gas.
In 1851 Blackburn was incorporated (given a corporation and mayor) and from the late 1850s, the council created a network of sewers. In 1857 a cemetery opened in Blackburn. The same year Corporation Park opened. Queens Park was laid out in 1885. Meanwhile, the railway reached Blackburn in 1846, and in 1881 horse-drawn trams began running in the streets of Blackburn.
In the 19th century, cotton dominated Blackburn the majority of the workforce was employed in mills (although there was also an engineering industry in the town). Many of the people who worked in mills were women and children (because they were cheap).
However, the cotton industry in Blackburn was severely disrupted by the First World War (1914-1918) and went into a steep decline.
Modern Blackburn
The 1930s were years of mass unemployment in Blackburn and many mills closed for good. Nevertheless cotton remained a major industry in the town between the wars. Meanwhile, many council houses were built in Blackburn, and amenities in the town improved.
In 1926 Blackburn became a diocese and the Church of St Mary was made a cathedral.
During the Second World War Blackburn escaped serious bomb damage. Afterward cotton continued to decline. The population of Blackburn also fell despite many Indian and Pakistani people settling in the town. It reached a low of 101,000 in 1971. Fortunately, the engineering industry expanded, and in the 1960s and 1970s, Blackburn town centre was redeveloped. The Mall, Blackburn opened in 1967.
Points of Interest
Witton Park
Witton Country Park covers 480 acres of countryside and is liberally peppered with pretty picnic spots, walks, nature trails, a new play area and a visitor centre providing an ideal day out for all the family. The estate was once owned by the Feilden family, who built and lived in Witton House (1800 – 1946) and created the park at the same time.
Corporation Park
The park is registered by English Heritage as a Park and Garden of Special Historic Interest and is one of around 440 facilities of “exceptional historic interest” meriting a Grade II listing. The park has also been credited with the Civic Trust’s prestigious Green Flag Award. Corporation Park also gives its name to a local government ward for Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Blackburn Museum
As one of the first purpose built free museums to open outside of London in 1874, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery houses a rich and fascinating collection covering fine art, decorative art, Egyptology, coins, manuscripts, natural history, social history and South Asia.
Icon square With over 1000 Japanese prints, 5000 examples of coins and money, 500 books and manuscripts and largest icon collection outside London, you certainly won’t be short of things to see.
Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral is one of England’s newest cathedrals, yet it is one of the country’s oldest places of Christian worship. For many centuries, this has been the Parish Church of Blackburn dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin. It continues as a place of prayer and worship and is now at the centre of the Diocese which takes in almost the whole of Lancashire.
Things To Do
Blackburn Rovers Stadium Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich history and tradition of Blackburn Rovers with our exclusive Stadium Tours at Ewood Park. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter or a football enthusiast, our tours offer a unique opportunity to go behind the scenes at one of England’s most historic football clubs.
Planet Ice
Perfect for all ages and abilities. Whether you’re new to skating or a seasoned pro, enjoy a fun, safe, and memorable experience on the ice with family and friends. All are welcome!
King Georges Hall
King George’s Hall in the centre of Blackburn is one of the region’s premier live entertainment complexes and welcomes top class performers as part of an exciting programme of music, dance, comedy and variety.
Reel Cinema
REEL Cinema prides itself on being at the heart of the community by offering the newest films at unrivalled prices.
REEL Blackburn is located in the town centre and opened in 2021. It boasts eight screens showing a range of Hollywood and Bollywood films and offers many family-friendly movies for all-around entertainment.
The Mall
With great events being held in The Mall Blackburn all year round we want to ensure you, our loyal customers, do not miss out on the many wonderful opportunities coming your way. Whether it’s events for families, children, shoppers or diners we want you to get involved. We will not only be bringing you the best events being held throughout Blackburn, but the latest news from The Mall too, including any new stores, pop up shops or events
Where To Eat
My Lahore
Our menu is famously diverse, with something for everyone, and we just love offering up tastes of adventure as well as culinary strolls down memory lane. So in a hectic world, why not slow down and savour the moment with us, as we bring you flavours from a very colourful journey…
Akbars
Award-winning Indian restaurant chain in the heart of Blackburn city centre. Located beside King George’s Hall. Come dine with us and taste our authentic South Asian Cuisine and marvel at the vibrant and unique décor at Akbar’s Blackburn. Inviting you to settle in and savour the culinary journey ahead.
Thira
The refreshing arrival of ‘Thira’ in Blackbun will provide it’s people with authentic Kerala cuisine (from the dishes to the decor). The menu featuring traditional dishes like Masala Dosa, Appam, Prawn Moily, Kozhikodan Biriyani etc are prepared by the magic hands of a top notch chef with 20 years of experience in 5 start hotels including the world famous Taj group of hotels
Ego At The Knowles
Freshly cooked Mediterranean food, cocktails and local cask ale, served with a smile at exceptional value in Blackburn. Situated in Pleckgate, just 2 miles north of Blackburn city centre, Ego at The Knowles Arms is must visit for its Mediterranean food, family friendly dining, local cask ales, cocktails and Sunday roasts. We are also dog friendly and you can expect to find a beautiful spacious outside space, making us the perfect pub stop to enjoy a refreshing drink and bite to eat in the sun with the family and your four-legged friends
Scholars Restaurant
Scholars is an award-winning college restaurant situated in the heart of Blackburn, surrounded by the rich cultural heritage of Lancashire. Nestled within a vibrant community, this culinary gem seamlessly combines tradition and innovation, offering a truly remarkable dining experience.
Get In Touch
Contact Information
Pleckgate High School
Pleckgate Road Blackburn
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