- published: 16 Jul 2008
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- author: nigeyb123
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Accrington
Coordinates: 53°45′12″N 2°21′50″W / 53.75337°N 2.36384°W / 53.75337; -2.36384
Accrington is a town in Lancashire, within the borough of Hyndburn. It lies about 4 miles (6 km) east of Blackburn, 6 miles (10 km) west of Burnley, 20 miles (32 km) north of Manchester city centre and is situated on the mostly culverted River Hyndburn. The town has a population of 35,203 according to the 2001 census and the urban area has a population of over 70,000.
The town is a former centre of the cotton and textile machinery industries. The town is famed for manufacturing the hardest and densest building bricks in the world, "The Accrington NORI" (iron), which were used in the construction of the Empire State Building and for the foundations of Blackpool Tower; famous for its football team and for having Europe's largest collection of Tiffany Glass.
Accrington is commonly abbreviated by locals to "Accy".
The name Accrington appears to be Anglo-Saxon in origin. Its derivation is uncertain.
In the records it variously appears as Akarinton in 1194; Akerunton, Akerinton and Akerynton in 1258; Acrinton in 1292; Ackryngton in 1311 and Acryngton in 1324.
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Allerdale
Coordinates: 54°38′24″N 3°24′43″W / 54.640°N 3.412°W / 54.640; -3.412
Allerdale is a non-metropolitan district of Cumbria, England, with borough status. Its council is based in Workington and the borough has a population of 93,492 according to the 2001 census.
The Borough of Allerdale was formed under the Local Government Act 1972, on 1 April 1974 by the merger of the municipal borough of Workington, the urban districts of Maryport, Cockermouth and Keswick; and the rural districts of Cockermouth and Wigton, all of which were within the administrative county of Cumberland. In 1995 Allerdale was granted borough status.
The name derives from the ancient region of Allerdale, represented latterly by the two wards of Cumberland, called Allerdale above Derwent and Allerdale below Derwent.
Elections to the borough council are held every 4 years with 56 councillor being elected from 31 wards. No party has had a majority on the council since Labour lost their majority at the 2003 election. As of the 2011 election, and following a by-election, the council is composed of the following councillors:-
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Bacup
Coordinates: 53°42′14″N 2°11′56″W / 53.704°N 2.199°W / 53.704; -2.199
Bacup (
/ˈbeɪkəp/) is a town within the Rossendale borough of Lancashire, England. It is located amongst the South Pennines, along Lancashire's eastern boundary with West Yorkshire. The town sits within a rural setting in the Forest of Rossendale, amongst the steep-sided upper-Irwell Valley, through which the River Irwell passes. It is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) east of Rawtenstall, 6.4 miles (10.3 km) north of Rochdale, and 21 miles (34 km) east of Preston. At the time of the United Kingdom Census 2001, Bacup—which encompasses the outlying communities of Britannia, Stacksteads, Rockcliffe, Trough Gate and Weir—had a population of 12,763.
Bacup emerged as a settlement following the Anglo-Saxon settlement of Britain in the Early Middle Ages. For centuries, Bacup was a small and obscure centre of domestic flannel and woollen cloth production, and many of the original weavers' cottages survive today as listed buildings. Following the Industrial Revolution Bacup became a mill town, its landscape dominated by distinctive and large rectangular woollen and cotton mills. Bacup received a charter of incorporation in 1882, giving it honorific borough status and its own elected town government, consisting of a mayor, aldermen and councillors to oversee local affairs.
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Barnoldswick
Coordinates: 53°54′53″N 2°11′22″W / 53.9147°N 2.1895°W / 53.9147; -2.1895
Barnoldswick (colloquially known as Barlick) is a town and civil parish within the West Craven area of the Borough of Pendle in Lancashire, England just outside the Yorkshire Dales National Park and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The town is built in the shadow of Weets Hill, and Stock Beck, a tributary of the River Ribble runs through the town. It has a population of 10,859.
Historically a part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, and nestling on the lower slopes of Weets Hill in the Pennines astride the natural watershed between the Ribble and Aire valleys, Barnoldswick is the highest town on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, lying as it does on the summit level of the canal between Barrowford Locks to the south west and Greenberfield Locks just north east of the town. It is approximately 30 miles (48 km) from the cities of Leeds, Manchester and Preston, and 27 miles (43 km) east southeast from the county town of Lancaster. Nearby towns include Clitheroe to the west, Nelson and Burnley to the south and Keighley to the east southeast.
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Belmont, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°38′26″N 2°29′43″W / 53.640505°N 2.495238°W / 53.640505; -2.495238
Belmont is a village in Lancashire, England. It is close to Darwen. It has around 500 inhabitants and lies within the civil parish of North Turton in the unitary authority area of Blackburn with Darwen.
Before 1804 Belmont was known as Hordern and was part of the upper part of the township of Sharples in the parish of Bolton le Moors. The township contained cotton-mills, a large dye works owned by Thomas Rycroft that had a landmark chimney (which has been demolished), and a printworks; there was a paper works at Spring Side in Folds.
Following a factory fire several years ago a housing estate was developed with houses designed to look traditional.
The parish church of St Peter was built at the end of 1849 and consecrated on April 1, 1850. It was built in a neo-gothic style from local stone on the site of an ancient farm.
Belmont is in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen.
Belmont is a linear settlement in moorland in the West Pennine Moors, built along the old Bolton to Preston road, the A675. It lies about 5 miles (8.0 km) northwest of Bolton in a valley between Anglezarke Moor and Turton Moor. There is a minor road to Rivington to the west.
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Blackburn
Coordinates: 53°44′42″N 2°28′37″W / 53.7449°N 2.4769°W / 53.7449; -2.4769
Blackburn ( pronounced /ˈblækbɜrn/) (help·info)) is a large town in Lancashire, England. It lies to the north of the West Pennine Moors on the southern edge of the Ribble Valley, 9 miles (14 km) east of the city of Preston, 27 miles (43 km) north-northwest of the city of Manchester. and is 13 miles (21 km) north of the border with Greater Manchester. Blackburn is bounded to the south by Darwen, with which it forms the unitary authority area of Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn being the administrative centre. At the time of the UK Government's 2001 census, Blackburn had a population of 105,085, whilst the wider borough of Blackburn with Darwen had a population of 140,700.
A former mill town, textiles have been produced in Blackburn since the middle of the 13th century, when wool was woven in people's houses in the domestic system. Flemish weavers who settled in the area during the 14th century helped to develop the woollen cottage industry in the region.James Hargreaves, inventor of the spinning jenny, was a weaver in Blackburn. The most rapid period of growth and development in Blackburn's history coincided with the industrialisation and expansion of textile manufacturing. Blackburn was a boomtown of the Industrial Revolution, and amongst the first industrialised towns in the world.
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Blackpool
Blackpool
i/ˈblækpuːl/ is a borough, seaside town, and unitary authority area of Lancashire, in North West England. It is situated along England's west coast by the Irish Sea, between the Ribble and Wyre estuaries, 17.5 miles (28.2 km) northwest of Preston, 27 miles (43 km) north of Liverpool, 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Bolton and 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Manchester. It has an estimated population of 140,000, making it the third most populous settlement in North West England after Manchester and Liverpool, and a population density that makes it the fourth most densely populated borough of England and Wales outside Greater London.
Throughout the Middle Ages and Early Modern period, Blackpool was a coastal hamlet in Lancashire's Hundred of Amounderness, and remained such until the mid-18th century when it became fashionable in England to travel to the coast during the summer to bathe in sea water to improve well-being. In 1781, visitors attracted to Blackpool's 7-mile (11 km) sandy beach were able to use a newly built private road, built by Thomas Clifton and Sir Henry Hoghton. Stagecoaches began running to Blackpool from Manchester in the same year, and from Halifax in 1782. In the early 19th century, Henry Banks and his son-in-law John Cocker erected new buildings in Blackpool such that its population grew from less than 500 in 1801 to over 2,500 in 1851. St John's Church in Blackpool was consecrated in 1821.
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Borough of Halton
Halton is a local government district in North West England, with borough status and administered by a unitary authority. It was created in 1974 as a district of Cheshire, and became a unitary authority area on 1 April 1998. It consists of the towns of Widnes and Runcorn and the civil parishes of Hale, Daresbury, Moore, Preston Brook, Halebank and Sandymoor. The district borders Merseyside, Warrington and Cheshire West and Chester. The borough straddles the River Mersey - the area to the north (including Widnes) is historically part of Lancashire, that to the south (including Runcorn) part of Cheshire.
Although Halton dates back to the 12th century (and beyond) when land on both sides of the river belonged to the Barony of Halton, the origin of the District Council was the outcome of the local government commission's suggested reforms of England, in 1969, the Redcliffe-Maud Report. This proposed to create metropolitan counties constituted of Metropolitan District Councils in the most urbanised parts of England. The model was that of the London Boroughs and Greater London Council formed in 1964. South Lancashire and North Cheshire were two of these and two new Metropolitan Counties were to be formed around Liverpool (as 'Merseyside' county) and Manchester/Salford (as 'Greater Manchester' county.) however, the towns of Widnes and Runcorn (and the County Borough of Warrington) which lay between these were reluctant to join either. The Commission agreed that the Halton group and Warrington were to become District Councils within Cheshire, as they were detached from Lancashire by the two new Metropolitan Counties controlling the territory to the north. However, the Metropolitan Counties ceased as local government units (along with the GLC) in 1984 and any remaining powers were devolved to the constituent Metropolitan Districts which cooperated over joint police authorities and fire services.
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Bracknell Forest
Coordinates: 51°25′01″N 0°44′49″W / 51.417°N 0.7469°W / 51.417; -0.7469
Bracknell Forest is one of six unitary authorities within Berkshire in southern England. It covers the two towns of Bracknell and Sandhurst as well as surrounding villages including Crowthorne and Binfield. It also includes the areas of North Ascot, Warfield and Winkfield. Parts of the borough border neighbouring boroughs such as Wokingham Borough Council and the Royal Borough of Windsor & Maidenhead. The south of the borough also borders onto Hampshire and Surrey.
Bracknell Forest was formed on 1 April 1974, as the non-metropolitan district of Bracknell. The district took on the territory of the former Easthampstead Rural District (in which the Bracknell new town had been developed). It changed its name in May 1988, at the same time as it was granted borough status.
On 1 April 1998, Berkshire County Council was abolished, as a consequence of the Banham Review, and Bracknell Forest Borough Council became a unitary authority. From 2008, references to 'borough' were phased out in favour of simply Bracknell Forest Council.
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Brighton and Hove
Brighton and Hove is a unitary authority area and city on the south coast of England. It is England's most populous seaside resort. The major part of the city consists of Brighton, with around 155,000 people of the total population of 251,000. Consequently, people usually refer to the city as just "Brighton". Brighton and Hove's urban area has a population of over 450,000 people. The city is famous for its history as a seaside town, and more recently for its reputation of having a large gay community. The city is also famous for its football team, Brighton & Hove Albion FC (commonly known as just "Brighton" or "Albion"). They currently play in the Football League Championship at the Amex Stadium, opened in 2011.
In 1997, the two large towns of Brighton and Hove were joined to form the unitary authority of Brighton and Hove, which was granted city status by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the millennium celebrations in 2000.
Brighton and Hove forms part of the Brighton/Worthing/Littlehampton conurbation, the 12th largest conurbation in the United Kingdom. Along this area of the south coast, there is little or no gap of countryside between these large towns and city. Directly to the west is Southwick and then Shoreham-by-Sea, and a short distance to the east are Peacehaven and Newhaven. The city, district and urban areas of Brighton and Hove have the biggest populations in the South East England region.
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Bristol
Bristoli/ˈbrɪstəl/ is a city, unitary authority area and ceremonial county in South West England, with an estimated population of 433,100 for the unitary authority in 2009, and a surrounding Larger Urban Zone (LUZ) with an estimated 1,070,000 residents in 2007. It is England's sixth and the United Kingdom's eighth most populous city, one of the group of English Core Cities and the most populous city in South West England.
Historically within Gloucestershire, the city received a Royal Charter in 1155 and was granted County status in 1373. From the 13th century, for half a millennium, it ranked amongst the top three English cities after London, alongside York and Norwich, on the basis of tax receipts, until the rapid rise of Liverpool, Birmingham and Manchester during the Industrial Revolution in the latter part of the 18th century. It borders the counties of Somerset and Gloucestershire, and is also located near the historic cities of Bath to the south east and Gloucester to the north. The city is built around the River Avon, and it also has a short coastline on the Severn Estuary, which flows into the Bristol Channel.
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Carnforth
Coordinates: 54°07′23″N 2°45′58″W / 54.123°N 2.766°W / 54.123; -2.766
Carnforth is a small town and civil parish near Lancaster in the north of Lancashire, England, situated at the north east end of Morecambe Bay. The parish of Carnforth had a population of 5,350 recorded in the 2001 census, and forms part of the City of Lancaster.
Due to the closeness of the coast and the hills, Carnforth is a popular base for walkers and cyclists exploring the area. the West Coast Main Line (WCML), the A6 and the Lancaster Canal pass through the town. The M6 motorway passes just to the east, linked to Carnforth by the A601(M).
Much of the history of Carnforth revolves around the railway and ironworks. Vast deposits of limestone located locally made Carnforth an ideal place for an ironworks, as limestone is a key component of the smelting process. In 1846 the Carnforth Ironworks Company established a works, located near the railway station. In the same year a recession occurred in the Earl of Dudley ironworks in Worcestershire, this meant there was a surplus of workers. A number of workers moved to the ironworks and lived in the nearby company village of Dudley (now called Millhead). In 1864 the Carnforth Haematite Company took over the works and production was vastly increased due to iron ore that was brought in by rail from the Furness Peninsula. By 1872 steel production became the main focus for the works using the new Bessemer process. By 1889 this process had failed.[citation needed]Iron production continued at the works until 1929 when it eventually closed down. The site was taken over by the War Department (UK) as an ordnance depot and remained as such until the 1960s. From then to the present the site is now an industrial estate consisting of several businesses.
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Central Bedfordshire
Central Bedfordshire is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of Bedfordshire, England. It was created from the merger of Bedfordshire County Council, Mid Bedfordshire and South Bedfordshire on 1 April 2009. The unitary council provides over a hundred services to 120,000 homes and over a quarter of a million people.
Since 1974, Bedfordshire had been governed as a shire county, mostly under the control of Bedfordshire County Council. It was divided into three local government districts, Bedford Borough, Mid Bedfordshire, and South Bedfordshire. Luton Borough became a unitary authority in 1997.
In 2006 the Department for Communities and Local Government considered reorganising Bedfordshire's administrative structure as part of the 2009 structural changes to local government in England. The four proposals considered were:
On 6 March 2008 the DCLG decided to implement Proposal 2. This meant that from 1 April 2009 there would be three unitary authorities in Bedfordshire: Bedford, Luton and the new Central Bedfordshire. Bedfordshire County Council initially challenged this decision in the High Court, but on 4 April 2008 it was announced the Judicial Review in the High Court had been unsuccessful, and the County Council declared they would not be appealing the decision.
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Cheshire
Cheshire ( /ˈtʃɛʃər/ or /ˈtʃɛʃɪər/; also known as the County Palatine of Chester, and archaically, as the County of Chester; abbreviated Ches.) is a ceremonial county in North West England. Cheshire's county town is the city of Chester, although the largest town since county boundary changes in 1974 is Warrington (moved from Lancashire for administrative purposes in 1974). Other major towns include Widnes (also moved from Lancashire in 1974), Congleton, Crewe, Ellesmere Port, Runcorn, Macclesfield, Winsford, Northwich, and Wilmslow. Historically the county contained the Wirral, Stockport, Altrincham and other towns. The county is bordered by Merseyside and Greater Manchester to the north, Derbyshire to the east, Staffordshire and Shropshire to the south, and Flintshire and Wrexham in Wales to the west. The county is a part of the Welsh Marches.
Cheshire's area is 2,343 square kilometres (905 sq mi) and its population is around 700,000. Apart from the large towns along the River Mersey and the historic city of Chester, it is mostly rural, with a number of small towns and villages that support an agricultural industry. It is historically famous as a former principality and for the production of Cheshire cheese, salt, bulk chemicals, and woven silk.
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Chorley
Coordinates: 53°39′11″N 2°37′55″W / 53.653°N 2.632°W / 53.653; -2.632
Chorley is a market town in Lancashire, in North West England. It is the largest settlement in the Borough of Chorley. Chorley is located 8.1 miles North of Wigan and 19.5 miles north west of Manchester. As with the Lancashire and Greater Manchester region, the town's wealth came principally from the cotton industry. As recently as the 1970s the skyline was dominated by numerous factory chimneys, but most are now demolished: remnants of the industrial past include Morrison's chimney and a few other mill buildings, and the streets of terraced houses for mill workers. Chorley is known as the home of the Chorley cake.
The name Chorley came from Anglo-Saxon Ceorla-lēah = "the peasants' clearing".
The area around Chorley has been inhabited since at least the Bronze Age. The earliest find came from 3500 BC on Anglezarke Moor at Round Loaf. A farmer at Astley Hall Farm found a pottery burial urn from this period in 1963. This find was followed up with further excavations, with further artifacts being found. Objects from these excavations are on display at the hall's museum.[citation needed]
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City of Lancaster
The City of Lancaster ( /ˈlæŋkəstər/), is a local government district of Lancashire, England, with the status of a city and non-metropolitan district. It is named after its largest settlement, Lancaster, but covers a far larger area which includes the towns of Morecambe, Heysham, and Carnforth, as well as outlying villages, farms and rural hinterland. The city has a population of 133,914, and an area of 222 square miles (575 km2).
The current city boundaries were set as part of the provisions of the Local Government Act 1972, and cover an amalgamation of five former local government districts—the municipal boroughs of Lancaster and Morecambe and Heysham, together with the Carnforth Urban District and rural districts of Lancaster and Lunesdale, all from the administrative county of Lancashire.
The higher tier of local government is Lancashire County Council. At a lower level, there are many parish councils. There is a List of civil parishes in the district.
The district comprises two parliamentary constituencies: Lancaster and Fleetwood and Morecambe and Lunesdale. In the 2010 General Election both seats were won by the Conservatives.
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Clayton-le-Moors
Coordinates: 53°46′45″N 2°23′18″W / 53.779200°N 2.388444°W / 53.779200; -2.388444
Clayton-le-Moors is a township in Hyndburn in Lancashire, England. The town is locally referred to as 'Clayton'. To the west lies Rishton, to the north Great Harwood, and two miles to the south, Accrington. Clayton-le-Moors is situated on the A680 road alongside the M65 motorway.
It is thought that the town developed while the Leeds Liverpool Canal was being built. The half-way point of the Leeds Liverpool Canal is Clayton-le-Moors. A mural that depicted this fact has been demolished. The town's main thoroughfare is Whalley Road, which still has some canal workers' cottages.
Attractions include Mercer Park, freely open to the public, with an updated war memorial, once the grounds of Mercer House. The house was previously Oakenshaw Cottage and it was where John Mercer lived towards the end of his life. Mercer, a self-taught chemist born in Great Harwood, invented the mercerisation process for treating cotton which is still in use today. He was a pioneer of colour photography.
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Cleveleys
Coordinates: 53°52′52″N 3°02′24″W / 53.881°N 3.040°W / 53.881; -3.040
Cleveleys (with its neighbouring village of Thornton, collectively known as Thornton-Cleveleys) is a town on the Fylde Coast of Lancashire, England, about 4 miles north of Blackpool and 2 miles south of Fleetwood. It is part of the Borough of Wyre.
At the start of World War II, several departments of the Ministry of Pensions, the Ministry of Education and the Board of Trade were moved to the Cleveleys area. Some were housed in the Rossall School briefly. An extensive site was developed for the Ministry of Pensions in the Norcross section of Carleton and all the government departments moved out in 1940.
Cleveleys is the hometown of published author Malcolm Brocklehurst. His works include 'The Secret History of Christianity' 2008 and 'The House of Cavendish~Outroads' 2010
On 1 February 2008, the MS Riverdance ferry, while undertaking a regular sailing from Northern Ireland to Heysham under severe stormy conditions, ran aground on the beach, close to the boundary with Blackpool.
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Clitheroe
Coordinates: 53°52′16″N 2°23′30″W / 53.8711°N 2.3916°W / 53.8711; -2.3916
Clitheroe ( /ˈklɪðɨroʊ/) is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Ribble Valley in Lancashire, England. It is near the Forest of Bowland and is often used as a base for tourists in the area. It has a population of 14,697. The most notable building in the town is Clitheroe Castle, suggested to be one of the smallest Norman keeps in the country.
The town elected two members to the Unreformed House of Commons. The Great Reform Act reduced this to one. It was one of the boroughs reformed by the Municipal Corporations Act 1835, and remained a municipal borough until the Local Government Act 1972 came into force in 1974 when it became a successor parish within the Ribble Valley district.
The name Clitheroe is thought to come from the Anglo-Saxon for "Rocky Hill", and was also spelled Clyderhow and Cletherwoode. The town was the administrative centre for the lands of the Honor of Clitheroe. These lands were held by Roger de Poitou, who passed them to the De Lacy family from whom they passed in 1311 to Thomas, Earl of Lancaster and subsequently, to the Duchy of Lancaster. At one point the town of Clitheroe was given to Richard, 1st Duke of Gloucester. Up until 1835 the Lord of the Honor was also by right Lord of Bowland, the so-called Lord of the Fells.
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Colne
Coordinates: 53°51′19″N 2°10′32″W / 53.8554°N 2.1756°W / 53.8554; -2.1756
Colne (/kɒln/) is the second largest town and civil parish in the Borough of Pendle in Lancashire, England, with a population of 20,118. It lies at the eastern end of the M65, 6 miles north-east of Burnley, with Nelson immediately adjacent, in the Aire Gap with two main roads leading into the Yorkshire towns of Skipton and Keighley. It is 25 miles east of Preston, 25 miles north of Manchester and 30 miles west of Leeds. There is beautiful countryside around Colne and many old villages close by, including the Bronte Country and Haworth to the south east and Pendle Hill, Newchurch and Barley and Clitheroe to the north west. Nearby villages include Barrowford, Foulridge, Winewall, Cottontree, Trawden and Laneshaw Bridge and the hamlet of Wycoller with its historic pack horse bridge and clam bridge said to date back to the Iron Age. Wycoller Hall is a ruin there. There are narrow roads to the south over the moors to Hardcastle Crags and Hebden Bridge. The attractive Forest of Bowland lies near Pendle.
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Cornwall
Cornwall ( /ˈkɔrnwɔːl/ or /ˈkɔrnwəl/;Cornish: Kernow [ˈkɛrnɔʊ]; Latin: Cornubia or Cornuvia) is a unitary authority and ceremonial county of England, within the United Kingdom. It is bordered to the north and west by the Celtic Sea, to the south by the English Channel, and to the east by the county of Devon, over the River Tamar. Cornwall has a population of 537,400 and covers an area of 3,563 km2 (1,376 sq mi). The administrative centre and only city is Truro.
The area now known as Cornwall was first inhabited in the Palaeolithic and Mesolithic periods. It continued to be occupied by Neolithic and then Bronze Age peoples, and later (in the Iron Age) by Brythons with distinctive cultural relations to neighbouring Wales and Brittany. There is little evidence that Roman rule was effective west of Exeter and few Roman remains have been found. Cornwall was a division of the Dumnonii tribe—whose tribal centre was in the modern county of Devon—known as the Cornovii, separated from Wales after the Battle of Deorham, often coming into conflict with the expanding English kingdom of Wessex before King Athelstan in AD 936 set the boundary between English and Cornish at the Tamar. From the early Middle Ages, British language and culture was apparently shared by Brythons trading across both sides of the Channel, evidenced by the corresponding high medieval Breton kingdoms of Domnonee and Cornouaille and the Celtic Christianity common to both territories.
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Cumbria
Cumbria ( /ˈkʌmbriə/, locally [ˈkʊmbɾiə]) is a non-metropolitan county in North West England. The county and Cumbria County Council, its local authority, came into existence in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972. Cumbria's largest settlement and county town is Carlisle and the only other major urban area is the town of Barrow-in-Furness on the south-western tip of the county. It consists of six districts, and in 2008 had a population of just under half a million. Cumbria is one of the most sparsely populated counties in the United Kingdom, with 73.4 people per km2 (190/sq mi). In comparison, the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness, in the south, has a population density over twelve times this at 921/km2 (2,385.3/sq mi).
Cumbria, the third largest ceremonial county in England by area, is bounded to the north by the Scottish council areas of Dumfries and Galloway and Scottish Borders, to the west by the Irish Sea, to the south by Lancashire, to the southeast by North Yorkshire, and to the east by County Durham and Northumberland.
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Darwen
Coordinates: 53°41′53″N 2°27′40″W / 53.698°N 2.461°W / 53.698; -2.461
Darwen is a market town and civil parish located within Lancashire, England. Along with its northerly neighbour, Blackburn, it forms the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen — a unitary authority area. It is known locally as "Darren", and its residents are known as "Darreners". The main road through Darwen is the A666 towards Blackburn to the north and Bolton to the south, and ultimately Manchester. The town stands on the River Darwen, which flows from south to north and is visible only in the outskirts of the town, as within the town centre it is submerged.
Most authorities trace the name 'Darwen' to the Brythonic derw "oak", originally applied to the river; an etymology supported an older form of the name, Derewent (1208). It has also been claimed that the name Darwen stems from "Dwrgwyn", from the Old Welsh (also a Brythonic language) dwr or "water" and gwyn Brythonic for "white" or "clear". Thus the name may mean "clear water".
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Derby
Derby (i/ˈdɑːbi/ DAR-bi), is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands region of England. It lies upon the banks of the River Derwent and is located in the south of the ceremonial county of Derbyshire. In the 2001 census, the population of the city was 233,700, whilst that of the Derby Urban Area was 229,407. According to the 2001 census, Derby was at that time the 18th largest settlement in England, measured by urban area.
The city has Roman, Saxon and Viking origins.
The Roman camp of 'Derventio' was probably at Little Chester/Chester Green (grid reference SK353375); The site of the old Roman fort is at Chester Green. Later the town was one of the 'Five Boroughs' (fortified towns) of the Danelaw.
Djúra-bý, recorded in Anglo-Saxon as Deoraby "Village of the Deer". This popular belief is asserted by Tim Lambert who states, "The name Derby is derived from the Danish words deor by meaning deer settlement" without reference or proof. However some[who?] assert that it is a corruption of the original Roman name 'Derventio'. The proven origin of the name "Derby" would seem to be elusive.
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Earby
Coordinates: 53°54′51″N 2°08′41″W / 53.9143°N 2.1446°W / 53.9143; -2.1446
Earby is a small town and civil parish within the Borough of Pendle in Lancashire, England. It is 5 miles (8.0 km) north of Colne, 7 miles (11.3 km) south-west of Skipton, and 11 miles (17.7 km) north-east of Burnley. The parish had a population of 4,348 recorded in the 2001 census,
Historically part of the West Riding of Yorkshire, from 1909 to 1974, Earby formed an urban district. Since 1974 Earby has been in the West Craven area of Pendle, has a town council, and is part of the West Craven Area Committee on Pendle Borough Council.
Other smaller nearby towns include Thornton in Craven and Sough.
Earby also had its own railway station, but it was closed in 1970. The station was an interchange with the small branch to Barnoldswick.
Earby is served by television from both Leeds and Manchester; ITV (Yorkshire Television) and BBC North are both transmitted from the television mast at East Marton, 3 miles (4.8 km) north of Earby.BBC North West and ITV (Granada Television) are both received directly from the main Winter Hill transmitter. The BBC has a relay that overlooks Earby and has the four main BBC national FM radio stations (Radio 1 to 4).Fresh Radio in Skipton covers the area on MW 1413 kHz.
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Edgworth, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°38′38″N 2°23′31″W / 53.644°N 2.392°W / 53.644; -2.392
Edgworth is a small village within the Blackburn with Darwen borough of Lancashire, England. It is north east of North Turton between Broadhead Brook on the west (expanded artificially to form the Wayoh reservoir) and Quarlton Brook in the south east. The ground ranges from 650 feet (200 m) to 1,100 feet (340 m) above sea level.
Edgworth is of Anglo-Saxon origin, denoting a village in the hills and has had many spellings, from 'Eggwrthe' in 1212, Egewurth in 1221, and in 1277 Eggeswrth and Edgeword and Eggeworth in the year 1292. In the 19th century the preferred spelling was "Edgeworth", although "Edgworth", as used by the Post Office, is now the standard spelling.
The village is especially rich in the number of 'Folds' formed in the 17th century. The title usually indicates the enclosure of a farmstead and associated cottages. Isherwood Fold, off Blackburn Road is a good example. Other examples are Horrocks Fold, Thomasson Fold and Brandwood Fold.
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England
Englandi/ˈɪŋɡlənd/ is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, while the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separate it from continental Europe. Most of England comprises the central and southern part of the island of Great Britain in the North Atlantic. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands such as the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight.
The area now called England was first inhabited by modern humans during the Upper Palaeolithic period, but it takes its name from the Angles, one of the Germanic tribes who settled during the 5th and 6th centuries. England became a unified state in AD 927, and since the Age of Discovery, which began during the 15th century, has had a significant cultural and legal impact on the wider world. The English language, the Anglican Church, and English law—the basis for the common law legal systems of many other countries around the world—developed in England, and the country's parliamentary system of government has been widely adopted by other nations. The Industrial Revolution began in 18th-century England, transforming its society into the world's first industrialised nation. England's Royal Society laid the foundations of modern experimental science.
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Fleetwood
Coordinates: 53°55′23″N 3°00′54″W / 53.923°N 3.015°W / 53.923; -3.015
Fleetwood is a town within the Wyre district of Lancashire, England, lying at the northwest corner of the Fylde. It had a population of 26,840 people at the 2001 Census. It forms part of the Greater Blackpool conurbation. The town was the first planned community of the Victorian era. For most of the 20th century, Fleetwood was a prominent deep-sea fishing port, but, since the 1970s, the fishing industry has declined precipitously and the town has undergone economic difficulties. Fleetwood is also a seaside resort, serving as a quiet contrast to nearby Blackpool.
Ptolemy's Geographia in the 2nd century AD records a tribe known as the Setantii living in what is believed to be present-day West Lancashire, and a seaport built by the Romans called PORTVS SETANTIORVM ('the port of the Setantii') abutting Moricambe Aestuarium (presumably Morecambe Bay). There is also evidence of a Roman road running from Ribchester to Kirkham (12 miles southeast of Fleetwood) which then makes a sharp turn to the northwest. Together, these suggest that Fleetwood may well have been the location of this Roman port. No direct evidence of the port has been found, but in 2007, an Iron Age settlement was discovered at Bourne Hill, just south of present-day Fleetwood, suggesting the area was populated in pre-Roman times.
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Garstang
Coordinates: 53°54′11″N 2°46′01″W / 53.903°N 2.767°W / 53.903; -2.767
Garstang is a small town and civil parish within the Wyre borough of Lancashire, England. It is ten miles north-northwest of the city of Preston and eleven miles south of Lancaster, and had a total resident population of 4,074 in 2001.. It is famous for being the world's first ever Fairtrade Town.
A brief but comprehensive history of the parish, including the parish church of St Helen in Churchtown and Greenhalgh Castle can be found in "The Parish of Garstang", A History of the County of Lancaster: Volume 7.
King Charles II is alleged to have spent the night in a town centre pub, the Royal Oak, during the Civil War.[citation needed]
St. John Plessington was born at Dimples Hall, which is just outside the town.
Garstang was once served by Garstang and Catterall railway station which closed in 1969, and Garstang Town railway station which closed to passengers in 1930.
The town is overlooked by the ruined remains of Greenhalgh Castle, built in 1490 by Thomas Stanley, 1st Earl of Derby.
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Great Harwood
Coordinates: 53°46′55″N 2°23′54″W / 53.7820°N 2.3984°W / 53.7820; -2.3984
Great Harwood is a small town in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England, 4.5 miles (7.2 km) north-east of Blackburn.
Great Harwood is a town with a industrial heritage. The Mercer Hall Leisure Centre in Queen Street and the town clock pay tribute to John Mercer (1791–1866), the 'father' of Great Harwood, who revolutionised the cotton dyeing process with his invention of mercerisation. An agricultural society is also maintained.
The town was once on the Great Harwood loop of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway, the last train running in November 1957. The Martholme Viaduct on the line remains about 1 mile north-east.
The town football team, Great Harwood Town, closed in July 2006.
Great Harwood Cricket Club, is a member of the Ribblesdale Cricket League, winning the senior division in 2008, and has seven teams ranging from under 9s through to senior level.
Great Harwood used to have a lively and bustling market around the town clock in the main square. It was very popular and drew people from across the county every week. It has declined in the last 15 years and almost disappeared but is now steadily increasing and with several stalls every Friday with fruit, vegetables, fish, meat, clothes and pet supplies.[citation needed]
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Greater Manchester
Greater Manchester is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 2.6 million. It encompasses one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United Kingdom and comprises ten metropolitan boroughs: Bolton, Bury, Oldham, Rochdale, Stockport, Tameside, Trafford, Wigan, and the cities of Manchester and Salford. Greater Manchester was created on 1 April 1974 as a result of the Local Government Act 1972.
Greater Manchester spans 493 square miles (1,277 km2). It is landlocked and borders Cheshire (to the south-west and south), Derbyshire (to the south-east), West Yorkshire (to the north-east), Lancashire (to the north) and Merseyside (to the west). There is a mix of high-density urban areas, suburbs, semi-rural and rural locations in Greater Manchester, but overwhelmingly the land use is urban. It has a focused central business district, formed by Manchester city centre and the adjoining parts of Salford and Trafford, but Greater Manchester is also a polycentric county with ten metropolitan districts, each of which has at least one major town centre and outlying suburbs. The Greater Manchester Urban Area is the third most populous conurbation in the UK, and spans across most of the county's territory.
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Haslingden
Coordinates: 53°42′18″N 2°19′41″W / 53.705°N 2.328°W / 53.705; -2.328
Haslingden is a small town in Rossendale, Lancashire, England. It is 19 miles (31 km) north of Manchester. The name means 'valley of the hazels', though the town is in fact set on a high and windy hill. In the early 20th century Haslingden had the status of a municipal borough, but following local government reorganisation in 1974 it became part of the Borough of Rossendale. In 1831 there was a population of 7,776.
Haslingden is the birthplace of the composer Alan Rawsthorne (1905–1971) and the Manchester City and England footballer Colin Bell (b.1946), was the home for many years of the Irish Republican leader, Michael Davitt (1846–1906), and Haslingden Cricket Club is a member of the noteworthy Lancashire League.
Part of what is now Haslingden, along with that of the neighbouring towns of Rawtenstall and beyond that Bacup were part of the Forest of Blackburnshire, that part being the Forest of Rossendale. The Forest was a hunting park during the late 13th and 14th centuries; 'Forest' referred to it being parkland rather than being heavily wooded, as the forest declined much earlier, during the Neolithic period.
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Herefordshire
Herefordshire ( /ˈhɛrɨfərdʃər/; abbreviated Herefs.) is a historic and ceremonial county in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region (code UKG11) and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire" NUTS 2 region. It also forms a unitary district known as the County of Herefordshire. It borders the English ceremonial counties of Shropshire to the north, Worcestershire to the east, Gloucestershire to the south-east, and the Welsh preserved counties of Gwent to the south-west and Powys to the west. Hereford is a cathedral city and is the county town; with a population of approximately 55,800 inhabitants it is also the largest settlement.
The county is one of the most rural and sparsely populated in England, with a population density of 82/km² (212/sq mi). The land use is predominantly agricultural and the county is well known for its fruit and cider production, and the Hereford cattle breed.
From 1974 to 1998, Herefordshire was part of the former non-metropolitan county of Hereford and Worcester.
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Heysham
Coordinates: 54°02′46″N 2°53′38″W / 54.046°N 2.894°W / 54.046; -2.894
Heysham (i/ˈhiːʃəm/ HEE-shəm) is a large coastal village near Lancaster in the county of Lancashire, England. Overlooking Morecambe Bay, it is a ferry port with services to the Isle of Man and Ireland. Heysham is the site of two nuclear power stations which are landmarks visible from hills in the surrounding area. Heysham has been identified as one potential location for the next generation of nuclear power stations.
Administratively, Heysham is part of the City of Lancaster district, with three wards: Heysham Central (with a population of 4,397), Heysham North (5,477), and Heysham South (6,262); together they have a population of 16,136 (2001 census), although these extend into areas beyond the village of Heysham itself, which has a population of approximately 6,500.
Of historical interest are the stone graves in the ruins of the ancient St. Patrick's Chapel, close to St. Peter's Church. They are thought to date from the 11th century[citation needed], and are hewn from solid rock. Local legend has it that St. Patrick landed here after crossing from Ireland and established the chapel. However it has been established that the chapel was built around 300 years after Patrick's death. These stone graves appear on the cover of the Black Sabbath CD, 'The Best of Black Sabbath'.
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Hyndburn
Coordinates: 53°46′05″N 2°22′55″W / 53.768°N 2.382°W / 53.768; -2.382
Hyndburn is a local government district with borough status in Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Accrington. The district is named after the River Hyndburn.
It was formed in 1974 by the amalgamation of the Borough of Accrington, the Urban Districts of Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton, and part of the Burnley Rural District.
In June 2007, the council proposed changing the name of Hyndburn, and replace it with Accrington & Districts, to aid recognition of the borough by those not familiar with the area.
In 2010, Hyndburn was voted the 10th best council in the Times "Best Public Sector Places to Work" and made it to the Times Best Companies Guide.
There are approximately nine state secondary schools in Hyndburn. These include Norden High School, St Christopher's Church of England High School, Accrington Academy, Rhyddings High School, Mount Carmel RC High School, The Hollins Technology College along with Broadfield Specialist School,White Ash School and North Cliffe School.
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Isle of Wight
The Isle of Wight is a county and the largest island of England, located in the English Channel, on average about 2–5 miles (3–7 km) off the south coast of the county of Hampshire, separated from the mainland by a strait called the Solent. The Island has many resorts which have been holiday destinations since Victorian times.
The Island has a rich history, including a brief status as an independent kingdom in the 15th century. Until 1995, like Jersey and Guernsey, the Island had its own Governor—most notably Lord Mountbatten from 1969 to 1974, after which he became Lord Lieutenant until his assassination in 1979.
It was home to the poets Swinburne and Alfred Lord Tennyson, and to Queen Victoria, who built her much-loved summer residence and final home Osborne House at East Cowes. The Island's maritime and industrial history encompasses boat building, sail making, the manufacture of flying boats, the world's first hovercraft and the testing and development of Britain's space rockets. It is home to the Isle of Wight International Jazz Festival, Bestival and the recently revived Isle of Wight Festival, which, in 1970, was the largest rock music event ever held. The Island has some exceptional wildlife and is one of the richest locations of dinosaur fossils in Europe.
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Kingston upon Hull
Kingston upon Hull (i/ˌkɪŋstən əpɒn ˈhʌl/ KING-stən ə-pon HUL), usually referred to as Hull, is a city and unitary authority area in the ceremonial county of the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. It stands on the River Hull at its junction with the Humber estuary, 25 miles (40 km) inland from the North Sea. Hull has a resident population of 263,900 (2010 est.). The Larger Urban Zone (LUZ) population stands at 573,300.
Renamed Kings town upon Hull by King Edward I in 1299, the town and city of Hull has served as market town, military supply port, a trading hub, fishing and whaling centre, and industrial metropolis.
Hull was an early theatre of battle in the English Civil Wars. Its 18th-century Member of Parliament, William Wilberforce, played a key role in the abolition of the slave trade in Britain.
The city is unique in the UK in having had a municipally-owned telephone system from 1902, sporting cream, not red, telephone boxes.
After suffering heavy damage during the Second World War, Hull weathered a period of post-industrial decline, during which the city gained unfavourable results on measures of social deprivation, education and policing. In recent years the city has embarked on an extensive programme of economic regeneration, reconstruction and urban renewal. The economic crisis since 2008 has caused some setbacks to these developments.
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Kirkham, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°46′55″N 2°52′12″W / 53.782°N 2.870°W / 53.782; -2.870
Kirkham, or as it once was known, Kirkam-in-Amounderness is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Fylde in Lancashire, England, midway between Blackpool and Preston (11 miles west of Preston) and adjacent to the smaller town of Wesham. It owes its existence to Carr Hill upon which it was built and which was the location of a Roman fort. It has a population of 7,127.
In his 1878 History of the Fylde of Lancashire, John Porter described Kirkham as ".. probably the earliest inhabited locality in the Fylde district." Remains found at Carleton in the 1970s of an elk with two harpoons embedded suggest that the Fylde was inhabited as long ago as 8,000 BC.
The town is pre-Roman in its origin with a name originating from the Danish kirk (church) and -ham (Saxon for settlement, or "home"). It appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 under the name of Chicheham and is described as lying on the Roman road between Ribchester (Bremetennacum) and the River Wyre. The town's market charter was granted in 1269–70 by King Henry III.
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Lancashire
Lancashire ( /ˈlæŋkəʃər/ or, less commonly, /ˈlæŋkəʃɪər/) is a non-metropolitan county of historic origin in the North West of England. It takes its name from the city of Lancaster, and is sometimes known as the County of Lancaster. Although Lancaster is still considered to be the county town, Lancashire County Council is based in Preston. Lancashire is sometimes referred to by the abbreviation Lancs, as originally used by the Royal Mail. The population of the county is 1,449,700. People from the county are known as Lancastrians.
The history of Lancashire is thought to have begun with its founding in the 12th century. In the Domesday Book (1086), some of its lands had been treated as part of Yorkshire. The land that lay Inter Ripam et Mersam, "between the Ribble and Mersey", formed part of the returns for Cheshire. Once its initial boundaries were established, it bordered Cumberland, Westmorland, Yorkshire and Cheshire.
Lancashire emerged during the Industrial Revolution as a major commercial and industrial region. The county encompassed several hundred mill towns and collieries. By the 1830s, approximately 85% of all cotton manufactured worldwide was processed in Lancashire.Preston, Accrington, Blackburn, Bolton, Rochdale, Oldham, Chorley, Darwen, Nelson, Colne and Burnley were major cotton mill towns during this time. Blackpool was a major centre for tourism for the inhabitants of Lancashire's mill towns, particularly during wakes week.
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Lancaster Canal
The Lancaster Canal is a canal in the north of England, originally planned to run from Westhoughton in Lancashire to Kendal in south Cumbria (then in Westmorland). The section around the crossing of the River Ribble was never completed, and much of the southern end leased to the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, of which it is now generally considered part.
Of the canal north of Preston, only the section from Preston to Tewitfield near Carnforth in Lancashire is currently open to navigation for 42 miles (67.6 km), with the canal north of Tewitfield having been severed in three places by the construction of the M6 motorway, and by the A590 road near Kendal. The southern part, from Johnson's Hillock to Wigan Top Lock, remains navigable as part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal. The planned continuation to Westhoughton was never built.
The line of the canal was first surveyed by Robert Whitworth in 1772. In 1791, John Longbotham, Robert Dickinson and Richard Beck resurveyed the proposed line, and a final survey was carried out later the same year by John Rennie.
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Leicester
Coordinates: 52°38′03″N 1°08′19″W / 52.63422°N 1.13852°W / 52.63422; -1.13852
Leicester (/lɛstər/ LESS-tər pronunciation (help·info)) is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England, and the county town of Leicestershire. The city lies on the River Soar and at the edge of the National Forest. In 2010, the population of the Leicester unitary authority was estimated at 306,600, the second highest in the region, whilst 441,213 people lived in the wider Leicester Urban Area in 2006, making Leicester the tenth most populous settlement in the United Kingdom and the UK's fourteenth largest urban area. It is the largest city in the East Midlands yet has the second largest urban area in the region behind Nottingham Urban Area. Eurostat's Larger Urban Zone listed the population of the area at 772,400 people as of 2004.
Ancient Roman pavements and baths remain in Leicester from its early settlement as Ratae Corieltauvorum, a Roman military outpost in a region inhabited by the Celtic Corieltauvi tribe. Following the demise of Roman society the early medieval Ratae Corieltauvorum is shrouded in obscurity, but when the settlement was captured by the Danes it became one of five fortified towns important to the Danelaw. The name "Leicester" is thought to derive from the words castra of the "Ligore", meaning camp of the dwellers on the (river) Legro. Leicester appears in the Domesday Book as "Ledecestre". Leicester continued to grow throughout the Early Modern period as a market town, although it was the Industrial Revolution that facilitated a process of rapid unplanned urbanisation in the area.
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Leyland, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°41′31″N 2°41′49″W / 53.692°N 2.697°W / 53.692; -2.697
Leyland is a town in the South Ribble district, in the county of Lancashire, England. It is approximately six miles (10 km) south of the city of Preston.
Throughout the 20th and 21st century, the community has seen a large growth in industry, population and farming, due to the establishment of Leyland Motors, housing developments and the surrounding usable arable land.
The name of the town is of old Anglo-Saxon origin, meaning "untilled land".
Before the control of the English Leyland was an area of fields, with Roman roads passing through, from ancient Wigan to Walton-le-Dale.
It was left undisturbed for many centuries until rediscovered shortly after the Battle of Hastings (1066). Leyland is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1085). In 1066 King Edward the Confessor presided over the whole of Leyland. The manor was divided into three large ploughlands, which were controlled by local noblemen. In the 1100s, it came under the barony of Penwortham.
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Liverpool
Liverpool ( /ˈlɪvəpuːl/) is a city and metropolitan borough of Merseyside, England, along the eastern side of the Mersey Estuary. It was founded as a borough in 1207 and was granted city status in 1880. According to the Office for National Statistics, the 2010 mid-year population estimate for Liverpool was 445,200 and was part of a larger urban area of 816,216.
Historically a part of Lancashire, the urbanisation and expansion of Liverpool were both largely brought about by the city's status as a major port. By the 18th century, trade from the West Indies, Ireland and mainland Europe coupled with close links with the Atlantic Slave Trade furthered the economic expansion of Liverpool. By the early 19th century, 40% of the world's trade passed through Liverpool's docks, contributing to Liverpool's rise as a major city.
Inhabitants of Liverpool are referred to as Liverpudlians but are also colloquially known as "Scousers", in reference to the local dish known as "scouse", a form of stew. The word "Scouse" has also become synonymous with the Liverpool accent and dialect. Liverpool's status as a port city has contributed to its diverse population, which, historically, were drawn from a wide range of peoples, cultures, and religions, particularly those from Ireland. The city is also home to the oldest Black African community in the country and the oldest Chinese community in Europe.
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Longridge
Coordinates: 53°49′52″N 2°35′49″W / 53.831°N 2.597°W / 53.831; -2.597
Longridge is a small town and civil parish in the borough of Ribble Valley in Lancashire, England. It is situated 8 miles (13 km) north-east of the city of Preston, at the western end of Longridge Fell, a long ridge above the River Ribble. Its nearest neighbours are Grimsargh and the Roman town of Ribchester (Bremetennacum), 3.5 miles (6 km) to the southeast. The parish of Longridge had a population of 7,546 recorded in the 2001 census.
The Battle of Preston started from Longridge, Cromwell halting there before taking on Monarchist forces from Scotland.[citation needed]
Longridge initially developed outwards from an area around St. Lawrence's Church, at the boundary of the townships of Dilworth and Alston and to the south of the modern-day town centre. Though there was a thoroughfare called 'Market Place', there was no development around that area. Most of the development of the town occurred after 1800. After this time, development occurred at a much faster pace, with expansion northwards including a mill to the north of Kestor Lane.
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Luton
Luton (i/ˈluːtən/ LOOT-ən, local /ˈluːʔən/) is a large town, borough and unitary authority of Bedfordshire, England, 30 miles (50 km) north of London. Luton and its near neighbours, Dunstable and Houghton Regis, form the Luton/Dunstable Urban Area with a population of about 250,000.
Luton is home to Blue Square Premier team Luton Town Football Club, whose history includes several spells in the top flight of the English league as well as a Football League Cup triumph in 1988. They play at Kenilworth Road stadium, which has been their home since 1905.
London Luton Airport, opened in 1938, is one of England's major airports. During the Second World War it doubled as an RAF base.
The University of Bedfordshire is based in the town.
The Luton Carnival, held on the late May bank holiday, is the largest one-day carnival in Europe.
The town was for many years famous for hat-making, and was also home to a large Vauxhall Motors factory; the head office of Vauxhall Motors is still situated in the town. Car production at the plant began in 1905 and continued until 2002, but commercial vehicle production remains.
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Lytham St Annes
Coordinates: 53°44′33″N 2°59′49″W / 53.7426°N 2.9970°W / 53.7426; -2.9970
Lytham St Annes is a conurbation in the Fylde district of Lancashire, England. The neighbouring towns of Lytham and St-Anne's-on-the-Sea (or St-Anne's-on-Sea, but nearly always abbreviated to St Annes) have grown together and now form a seaside resort. The towns are situated on the Fylde coast, south of Blackpool at the point where the coastline turns east to form the estuary of the River Ribble leading inland to Preston. St Annes is situated on the northern side of the turning and, like Blackpool, overlooks the Irish Sea, whereas Lytham is on the eastern side and overlooks the Ribble Estuary.
Lytham St Annes is internationally renowned for golf and has four courses and links, the most notable being the Royal Lytham & St Annes Golf Club, one of the host courses for the Open Championship, also known as the "British Open", which has been a competition course since first hosting the Open in 1926. Approximately once every ten years, the coming of The Open—a major sporting event—brings a major influx of visitors, including the world's media, into a fairly peaceful community. Lytham St Annes is considered to be a wealthy area with residents' earnings among the highest in Lancashire. It is popular with engineers and scientists from the nearby BAE Systems site in Warton, which provides some highly paid jobs that underpin the local economy.
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Manchester
Coordinates: 53°28′N 2°14′W / 53.467°N 2.233°W / 53.467; -2.233
Manchesteri/ˈmæntʃɛstər/ is a city and metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, England with an estimated population of 498,800 in 2010. Manchester lies within one of the United Kingdom's largest urban areas; the Greater Manchester Urban Area which has a population of 2.2 million. The demonym of Manchester is Mancunian and the local authority is Manchester City Council.
Manchester is situated in the south-central part of North West England, fringed by the Cheshire Plain to the south and the Pennines to the north and east. The recorded history of Manchester began with the civilian settlement associated with the Roman fort of Mamucium, which was established in c. 79 AD on a sandstone bluff near the confluence of the rivers Medlock and Irwell. Historically, most of the city was a part of Lancashire, although areas south of the River Mersey were in Cheshire. Throughout the Middle Ages Manchester remained a manorial township, but it began to expand "at an astonishing rate" around the turn of the 19th century. Manchester's unplanned urbanisation was brought on by a boom in textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution, and resulted in it becoming the world's first industrialised city. An early 19th-century factory building boom transformed Manchester from a township into a major mill town and borough that was granted city status in 1853. In 1894 the Manchester Ship Canal was built, creating the Port of Manchester.
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Merseyside
Merseyside ( /ˈmɜrzisaɪd/) is a metropolitan county in North West England, with a population of 1,365,900. It encompasses the metropolitan area centred on both banks of the lower reaches of the Mersey Estuary, and comprises five metropolitan boroughs: Knowsley, St Helens, Sefton, Wirral, and the city of Liverpool. Merseyside, which was created on 1 April 1974 as a result of the Local Government Act 1972, takes its name from the River Mersey.
Merseyside spans 249 square miles (645 km2) of land which border Lancashire (to the north-east), Greater Manchester (to the east), and Cheshire (to the south and south-west); the Irish Sea is to the west. North Wales is across the Dee Estuary. There is a mix of high density urban areas, suburbs, semi-rural and rural locations in Merseyside, but overwhelmingly the land use is urban. It has a focused central business district, formed by Liverpool City Centre, but Merseyside is also a polycentric county with five metropolitan districts, each of which has at least one major town centre and outlying suburbs. The Liverpool Urban Area is the seventh most populous conurbation in the UK, and dominates the geographic centre of the county, while the smaller Birkenhead Urban Area dominates the Wirral Peninsula in the south.
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Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough (i/ˈmɪdəlzbrə/ MID-əlz-brə) is a large town situated on the south bank of the River Tees in north east England, that sits within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire. The local authority, a unitary authority, is Middlesbrough Borough Council.
Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire, in 1968 the town became the centre of the County Borough of Teesside, which was absorbed by the non-metropolitan county of Cleveland in 1974. In 1996 Cleveland was abolished, and Middlesbrough became a unitary authority, within the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire.
It is locally regarded that the town exceeds the confines of the Middlesbrough Borough to include the areas of Eston, Grangetown, Normanby, Ormesby, and South Bank which are wards of the neighbouring unitary authority of Redcar and Cleveland.[citation needed][by whom?]
To the northeast of Middlesbrough lies the Tees Estuary, approximately 6 miles (9.7 km) away. A few miles to the south lies the edge of the North York Moors National Park.
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Morecambe
Coordinates: 54°03′50″N 2°52′43″W / 54.0640°N 2.8786°W / 54.0640; -2.8786
Morecambe ( /ˈmɔrkəm/) is a resort town and civil parish within the City of Lancaster in Lancashire, England. As of 2001 it has a resident population of 38,917. It is situated on Morecambe Bay. Morecambe and the nearby village of Heysham have a combined population of 51,400.
In 1846, the Morecambe Harbour and Railway Company was formed to build a harbour on Morecambe Bay, close to the fishing village of Poulton-le-Sands, and a connecting railway. By 1850, the railway linked to Skipton, Keighley and Bradford in the West Riding of Yorkshire, and a settlement began to grow around the harbour and railway, to service the port and as a seaside resort. The settlement expanded to absorb Poulton, and the villages of Bare and Torrisholme. The settlement started to be referred to as "Morecambe", possibly after the harbour and railway. In 1889 the new name was officially adopted.
Morecambe was a thriving seaside resort in the mid-20th century. While the resort of Blackpool attracted holiday-makers predominantly from the Lancashire mill towns, Morecambe had more visitors from Yorkshire (due to its railway connection) and Scotland. Between 1956 and 1989 it was the home of the Miss Great Britain beauty contest.
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Nelson, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°50′05″N 2°13′05″W / 53.8346°N 2.2180°W / 53.8346; -2.2180
Nelson is a town and civil parish in the Borough of Pendle in Lancashire, England, with a population of 28,998 in 2001. It lies 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Burnley on the Leeds and Liverpool Canal.
It developed as a mill town during the Industrial Revolution, but has today lost much of its industry and is characterised by pockets of severe deprivation and some of the lowest house prices in the country.
The town was originally two villages, Little Marsden and Great Marsden. A small mill had been established by the Ecroyd family at Edge End as early as 1740, and there were two coal mines nearby, but it was the coming of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal in 1796, followed by the East Lancashire Railway in 1849, that spurred its development as an industrial town, with an economy based mainly upon cotton weaving.
There was already a Marsden on the railway network in the neighbouring county of Yorkshire (West Riding), so the new railway station was called the Nelson Inn, Great Marsden, after the adjacent public house, the Lord Nelson Inn named after Admiral Lord Nelson, from which the town also in time derived its name.
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North Somerset
North Somerset is a unitary authority in England. Its area covers part of the ceremonial county of Somerset but it is administered independently of the non-metropolitan county. Its administrative headquarters is in the town hall in Weston-super-Mare.
North Somerset borders the local government areas of Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, Mendip and Sedgemoor. North Somerset contains the parliamentary constituencies of Weston-super-Mare and North Somerset.
Between 1 April 1974 and 31 March 1996, it was the Woodspring district of the county of Avon (named after Woodspring Priory, an isolated mediaeval church near the coast just north east of Weston-super-Mare). The district of Woodspring was formed from the municipal boroughs of Weston-super-Mare, Clevedon and Portishead urban districts, Long Ashton Rural District, and part of Axbridge Rural District.
Though the government proposed that the new unitary area be known as "North West Somerset" from 1 April 1996, the council voted instead to adopt the name "North Somerset" and so the name "North West Somerset" was never widely used. There remained some legal doubt as to whether the council had validly changed the name to "North Somerset", but in 2005 the council passed a resolution to put the matter beyond doubt.
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Northumberland
Northumberland ( /nɔrˈθʌmbərlənd/; abbreviated Northumb. or Northd, the latter being preferred by the Royal Mail) is the northernmost ceremonial county and a unitary district in North East England. It borders Cumbria to the west, County Durham to the south and Tyne and Wear to the south east and the Scottish Borders council area to the north. Its North Sea coastline is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with a 64 mile (103 km) long distance path. Since 1981, the county council has been located in Morpeth, situated in the east of the county.
The historical boundaries of the county of Northumberland included Newcastle upon Tyne, the traditional county town, as well as Tynemouth and other settlements in North Tyneside, all areas transferred to Tyne and Wear in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The historical county boundaries are sometimes taken to exclude Islandshire, Bedlingtonshire and Norhamshire (collectively North Durham), exclaves of County Durham which were incorporated into Northumberland in 1844. For Eurostat purposes Northumberland is a NUTS 3 region (code UKC21) and is one of three local authority areas that comprise the "Northumberland and Tyne and Wear" NUTS 2 region.
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Nottingham
Nottingham (i/ˈnɒtɪŋəm/ NOT-ing-əm) is a city and unitary authority in the East Midlands of England in the ceremonial county of Nottinghamshire and is one of eight members of the English Core Cities Group.
Nottingham is famed for its links with the legend of Robin Hood and, during the Industrial Revolution, obtained worldwide recognition for its lace-making, bicycle and tobacco industries. With origins tracable back to 600 AD, Nottingham was granted its city charter as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of Queen Victoria in 1897 and has since been officially titled the City of Nottingham. The city has historically been nicknamed The Queen of the Midlands, being the smaller yet less industrialised regional neighbour to the Midlands biggest city, Birmingham. Nottingham is considered the primary centre of England's East Midlands region, being home to numerous regional headquarters and media stations including the BBC East Midlands and the Regional Government Office.
Whilst Nottingham has always had a tightly-drawn authority boundary, accounting for its relatively small population of 306,700, Nottingham's Urban Area has a population of approximately 670,000; in the 2001 census, it was the eighth largest urban area in the United Kingdom. Eurostat's concept of the Larger Urban Zone listed the area's population at 825,600 as of 2004.
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Ormskirk
Coordinates: 53°33′59″N 2°53′13″W / 53.5665°N 2.8869°W / 53.5665; -2.8869
Ormskirk is a market town in West Lancashire, England. It is situated 13 miles (21 km) north of Liverpool city centre, 11 miles (18 km) northwest of St Helens, 9 miles (14 km) southeast of Southport and 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Preston.
Ormskirk lies on sloping ground on the side of a ridge, whose highest point is 68 metres (223 ft) above sea-level, at the centre of the West Lancashire Plain, and has been described as a "planned borough", laid out in the 13th century.
Ormskirk is an unparished area, surrounded by the parishes of Bickerstaffe, Aughton, Scarisbrick, Burscough, Lathom and Lathom South.
The town is located in the district of West Lancashire and is the site of the headquarters of West Lancashire Borough Council. Ormskirk is also a 'post town' in the Liverpool postcode area.
Since Ormskirk does not have a parish council, a voluntary association, Ormskirk Community Partnership, was created in 2009, with the support of the West Lancashire Borough Council, to act as a voice for Ormskirk.
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Oswaldtwistle
Coordinates: 53°44′36″N 2°23′37″W / 53.7434°N 2.3935°W / 53.7434; -2.3935
Oswaldtwistle ( /ˈɒzəl.twɪzəl/ "ozzel-twizzel") is a town within the Hyndburn borough of Lancashire, England. It lies on the course of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, 3 miles (4.8 km) east-southeast of Blackburn and is contiguous to Accrington.
The name is derived from "Oswald" and "Twistle". The word "twistle" is an old English word meaning "brooks meet". Legend has it that St.Oswald, King of Northumbria passed through, giving the area its full title of Oswald's Twistle, which in time came to be Oswaldtwistle. However, it is more likely derived from the name of the Anglo-Saxon who farmed the land.
Sir Robert Peel, 1st Baronet, who, as a factory-owner, effected wide developments in the cotton industry, was born at Peelfold, within the township, in 1750. Another historical figure associated with the textile industry was James Hargreaves, inventor of the Spinning Jenny.
The centre of Oswaldtwistle is home to a: Lloyds TSB, Betfred, Oswaldtwistle Clinic, Travis Perkins building merchants as well as a Co-Op supermarket, which was a Gateway, Solo and a Somerfield before becoming a Co-Op. Also there is a Tesco Express and a SPAR. Other stores include an appliance repairs/sales, numerous takeaways, numerous barbers (M & F), estate agents, off licences, bakers, butchers, funeral directors and many more shops.
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Pendle
Coordinates: 53°52′08″N 2°09′50″W / 53.869°N 2.164°W / 53.869; -2.164
Pendle is a local government district and borough of Lancashire, England. It adjoins the Lancashire boroughs of Burnley and Ribble Valley, the North Yorkshire district of Craven and the West Yorkshire districts of Calderdale and the City of Bradford. It has a total population of about 90,000 people, and is represented in Parliament by Andrew Stephenson, Conservative.
It was created in 1974 as a result of local government reorganisation from the former Municipal Boroughs of Nelson and Colne, the former urban districts of Barnoldswick, Barrowford, Brierfield, Earby and Trawden, and from parts of Burnley Rural District and Skipton Rural District. It was named after the historical district of Pendle Forest, whose ancient lordship has been held by the Barons Clitheroe since 1945. The Barnoldswick, Earby and Skipton parts are historically in the West Riding of Yorkshire.
The three main employers in the borough are Rolls-Royce plc, Silentnight and the Daisy Group.
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Penwortham
Coordinates: 53°44′N 2°43′W / 53.74°N 2.72°W / 53.74; -2.72
Penwortham is a town and civil parish on the south bank of the River Ribble facing the city of Preston, Lancashire, England. The town is at the most westerly crossing point of the river, with major road and rail links crossing here.
The distinctive town name is derived from pen (meaning a hill), weid (meaning ford) and ham (meaning settlement) with earlier names of Peneverdant and Pendrecham in 1200; Penwrtham in 1204; Penuertham in 1212; Penwortham 1260 and Penewrthamn in 1292.
The town's history can be traced to pre-historic times with archaeological evidence showing that the ford at Middleforth was used to cross the Ribble. Penwortham was listed in the Domesday Book as "Penverdent". At the Norman conquest in 1066 the Barony was held by King Edward. In the 12th century Penwortham was the head of a barony held by Warine Bussel which included a large part of Leyland Hundred and manors in West Derby and Amounderness. Penwortham Castle, a motte-and-bailey castle was built during the post-Norman conquest period overlooking the Ribble and its ford by Roger of Poitou and served to guard the estuary and a ford crossing it. After Roger built Lancaster Castle, Penwortham declined in importance. Some evidence of this castle is still evident in St Mary's Churchyard but only the mound remains. In later centuries a manor house was built, but no evidence remains.
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Peterborough
Peterborough (
/ˈpiːtərbrə/ or 
i/ˈpiːtərbərə/) is a cathedral city and unitary authority area in the East of England, with an estimated population of 173,400 in June 2007. For ceremonial purposes it is in the county of Cambridgeshire. Situated 75 miles (121 km) north of London, the city stands on the River Nene which flows into the North Sea approximately 30 miles (48 km) to the north-east. The railway station is an important stop on the East Coast Main Line.
The local topography is flat and low-lying, and in some places lies below sea level. The area known as the Fens is to the east of Peterborough. The City of Peterborough includes the outlying military installation of RAF Wittering, and as a unitary authority it borders Northamptonshire and Rutland to the west, Lincolnshire to the north, and Cambridgeshire to the south and east.
Human settlement in the area dates back to before the Bronze Age, as can be seen at the Flag Fen archaeological site to the east of the current city centre. This site also shows evidence of Roman occupation. The Anglo-Saxon period saw the establishment of a monastery, then known as Medeshamstede, which later became Peterborough Cathedral. The population grew rapidly following the arrival of the railways in the 19th century, and Peterborough became an industrial centre, particularly noted for its brick manufacture.
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Plymouth
Plymouthi/ˈplɪməθ/ is a city and unitary authority area on the south coast of Devon, England, about 190 miles (310 km) south-west of London. It is situated between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound. Since 1967, the City of Plymouth has included the suburbs of Plympton and Plymstock, which are on the east side of the River Plym.
Plymouth's history goes back to the Bronze Age, when its first settlement grew at Mount Batten. This settlement continued to grow as a trading post for the Roman Empire, until the more prosperous village of Sutton, the current Plymouth, surpassed it. In 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers left Plymouth for the New World and established Plymouth Colony – the second English settlement in what is now the United States of America. During the English Civil War the town was held by the Parliamentarians and was besieged between 1642 and 1646.
Throughout the Industrial Revolution, Plymouth grew as a major commercial shipping port, handling imports and passengers from the Americas, while the neighbouring town of Devonport grew as an important Royal Naval shipbuilding and dockyard town. In 1914 the three neighbouring and independent towns, viz., the county borough of Plymouth, the county borough of Devonport, and the urban district of East Stonehouse were merged to form a single County Borough. The new, merged town took the name of Plymouth which, in 1928, achieved city status. The city's naval importance later led to its targeting and partial destruction during World War II, an act known as the Plymouth Blitz. After the war the city centre was completely rebuilt.
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Poole
Coordinates: 50°43′N 1°59′W / 50.717°N 1.983°W / 50.717; -1.983
Poole ( pronunciation (help·info)) is a large coastal town and seaport in the county of Dorset, on the south coast of England. The town is 33 kilometres (21 mi) east of Dorchester, and Bournemouth adjoins Poole to the east. The Borough of Poole was made a unitary authority in 1997, gaining administrative independence from Dorset County Council. The town had a population of 138,288 according to the 2001 census, making it the second largest settlement in Dorset. Together with Bournemouth and Christchurch, the town forms the South East Dorset conurbation with a total population of over 400,000.
Human settlement in the area dates back to before the Iron Age. The earliest recorded use of the town’s name was in the 12th century when the town began to emerge as an important port, prospering with the introduction of the wool trade. In later centuries the town had important trade links with North America and at its peak in the 18th century it was one of the busiest ports in Britain. During the Second World War the town was one of the main departing points for the D-Day landings of the Normandy Invasion.
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Portsmouth
Portsmouth (i/ˈpɔːtsməθ/) is the second largest city in the ceremonial county of Hampshire on the south coast of England. Portsmouth is notable for being the United Kingdom's only island city; it is located mainly on Portsea Island. It is situated 64 miles (103 km) south west from London and 19 miles (31 km) south east from Southampton.
As a significant naval port for centuries, Portsmouth is home to the world's oldest dry dock still in use and also home to some famous ships, including HMS Warrior, the Tudor carrack Mary Rose and Lord Nelson's flagship, HMS Victory. Although smaller than in its heyday, the naval base remains a major dockyard and base for the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Commandos whose Headquarters resides there. There is also a thriving commercial ferryport serving destinations on the continent for freight and passenger traffic. The City of Portsmouth and Portsmouth Football Club are both nicknamed Pompey.
The Spinnaker Tower is a striking recent addition to the city's skyline. It can be found in the redeveloped former HMS Vernon, formerly a shore establishment or 'stone frigate' of the Royal Navy, now an area of retail outlets, restaurants, clubs and bars now known as Gunwharf Quays.
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Poulton-le-Fylde
Coordinates: 53°50′49″N 2°59′42″W / 53.847°N 2.995°W / 53.847; -2.995
Poulton-le-Fylde (also known as Poulton) is a market town in Lancashire, England, situated on the coastal plain called the Fylde. As of the 2001 United Kingdom census, it had a population of 18,264. There is evidence of human habitation in the area from 12,000 years ago and several archaeological finds from Roman settlement in England have been found in the area. At the time of the Norman conquest of England Poulton was a small agricultural settlement in the hundred of Amounderness. The church of St Chad was recorded in 1094 when it was endowed to Lancaster Priory. By the post-Medieval period the town had become an important commercial centre for the region with weekly and triannual markets. Goods were imported and exported through two harbours on the River Wyre. In 1837, the town was described as the "metropolis of the Fylde", but its commercial importance waned from the mid-19th century with the development of the nearby coastal resorts of Fleetwood and Blackpool.
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Preesall
Coordinates: 53°55′01″N 2°58′01″W / 53.917°N 2.967°W / 53.917; -2.967
Preesall is a town and civil parish in Lancashire, England. The parish (until 1910 known as Preesall with Hackensall) covers the eastern bank of the estuary of the River Wyre, including Knott End-on-Sea, Pilling Lane and the village of Preesall itself. The parish of Preesall had a population of 5,314 recorded in the 2001 census.
There is evidence that the eastern side of the River Wyre was occupied during the Danish invasions of the 9th and 10th centuries. Preesall is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086) as being a part of the Hundred of Amounderness and the Domesday place name is given as Pressouede.
The names Preesall and Hackensall are both probably Norse in origin, with Preesall meaning "a hill and a heath" and Hackensall probably deriving from "Haakon", a Viking seafarer who sailed up the River Wyre and set up an encampment in the 10th century. In 1190 the land was granted to a bowman in the service of Prince John, and in the 16th century, the land, like much in this area, passed into the possession of the Fleetwood family. Richard Fleetwood built Hackensall Hall in 1656 after their home at Rossall Hall was flooded. Nearby Parrox Hall was built about the same time, and has been in the possession of the Elletson family since 1690.[citation needed]
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Preston, Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°45′32″N 2°41′56″W / 53.759°N 2.699°W / 53.759; -2.699
Prestoni/ˈprɛstən/ is a city and the administrative centre of Lancashire, England, located on the north bank of the River Ribble. It is an urban settlement and unparished area that, when combined with its surrounding suburban and rural hinterland, forms part of the City of Preston local government district of Lancashire. It obtained city status in 2002, becoming England's 50th city in the 50th year of Queen Elizabeth II's reign. The settlement, or unparished area, of Preston has a population of 114,300, and the whole City of Preston district has a population of 132,000.
Preston and its surroundings have provided evidence of ancient Roman activity in the area, largely in the form of a Roman road which led to a camp at Walton-le-Dale. The Angles established Preston; the name Preston is derived from Old English words meaning "Priest settlement" and in the Domesday Book appears as "Prestune". During the Middle Ages, Preston formed a parish and township in the hundred of Amounderness and was granted a Guild Merchant charter in 1179, giving it the status of a market town. Textiles have been produced in Preston since the middle of the 13th century, when locally produced wool was woven in people's houses. Flemish weavers who settled in the area during the 14th century helped to develop the industry. Sir Richard Arkwright, inventor of the spinning frame, was born in Preston. The most rapid period of growth and development in Preston's history coincided with the industrialisation and expansion of textile manufacturing. Preston was a boomtown of the Industrial Revolution, becoming a densely populated engineering centre, with large industrial plants.
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Rawtenstall
Coordinates: 53°41′56″N 2°17′28″W / 53.699°N 2.291°W / 53.699; -2.291
Rawtenstall ( /ˈrɒtənstɔːl/ or local /ˈrɒʔənstɔːl/) is a town at the centre of the Rossendale Valley, in Lancashire, England. It is the seat for the Borough of Rossendale, in which it is located. The town lies 17.4 miles north of Manchester, 22 miles east of Preston and 45 miles south east of the county town of Lancaster. Nearby towns include Bacup, Haslingden and Ramsbottom.
The name Rawtenstall has been given two possible interpretations. The older is a combination of the Middle English routen (‘to roar or bellow’), from the Old Norse rauta and the Old English stall ‘pool in a river’ (Ekwall 1922, 92). The second, more recent one, relates to Rawtenstall’s identification as a cattle farm in 1324 and combines the Old English ruh ‘rough’ and tun-stall ‘the site of a farm’ (Mills 1991, 269), or possibly, ‘buildings occupied when cattle were pastured on high ground’ (Mills 1976, 125).
The earliest settlement at Rawtenstall was probably in the early medieval period, during the time when it formed part of the Forest of Rossendale in the Honour of Clitheroe, and consisted of simple dwellings for forest servants and animals. More substantial buildings may have followed in the 15th and 16th centuries with corn and flour mills.
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Reading, Berkshire
Reading (i/ˈrɛdɪŋ/ RED-ing) is a large town and unitary authority area in England. It is located in the Thames Valley at the confluence of the River Thames and River Kennet, and on both the Great Western Main Line railway and the M4 motorway, some 40 miles (64 km) west of London.
The Borough of Reading has a population of 145,700 (2008 estimate) and the town formed the largest part of the Reading/Wokingham Urban Area which had a population of 369,804 (2001 census). The town is currently represented in the UK parliament by two members, and has been continuously represented there since 1295. For ceremonial purposes the town is in the county of Berkshire and has served as its county town since 1867, previously sharing this status with Abingdon.
The first evidence for Reading as a settlement dates from the 8th century. Reading was an important centre in the medieval period, as the site of Reading Abbey, a monastery with strong royal connections. The town was seriously impacted by the Civil War, with a major siege and loss of trade, and played a pivotal role in the Revolution of 1688, with that revolution's only significant military action fought on the streets of the town. The 19th century saw the coming of the Great Western Railway and the development of the town's brewing, baking and seed growing businesses.
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Redcar and Cleveland
The borough of Redcar & Cleveland is a unitary authority in the ceremonial county of North Yorkshire, England consisting of Redcar, Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Guisborough, and small towns such as Brotton, Eston, Skelton and Loftus. It had a resident population of 139,132 in 2001, and is part of the Tees Valley economic area. It is represented in Parliament by Ian Swales (Liberal Democrat) for the Redcar constituency and by Tom Blenkinsop (Labour) for the Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland constituency.
The district was created in 1974 as the borough of Langbaurgh, one of four districts of the new non-metropolitan county of Cleveland. It was formed from the Coatham, Kirkleatham, Ormesby, Redcar and South Bank wards of the county borough of Teesside, along with Guisborough, Loftus, Saltburn and Marske-by-the-Sea, Eston Grange and Skelton and Brotton urban districts, from the North Riding of Yorkshire. The borough was named after the ancient Langbaurgh wapentake of Yorkshire. On 1 January 1988 the borough was renamed as Langbaurgh-on-Tees.
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Ribble Valley
Ribble Valley is a local government district with borough status within the non-metropolitan county of Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Clitheroe. Other places include Whalley, Longridge and Ribchester. The area is so called due to the River Ribble which flows in its final stages towards its estuary near Preston. The area is popular with tourists who enjoy the area's natural unspoilt beauty, much of which lies within the Forest of Bowland.
The Ribble Valley is statistically the wealthiest enclave in Lancashire and businesses in the area reflect this, including a Michelin listed restaurant and a Bentley car dealership. The area is a popular place with those who wish to relocate from London to somewhere more rural and community orientated.
The district was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, as a merger of the municipal borough of Clitheroe, Longridge urban district, Clitheroe Rural District, part of Blackburn Rural District, part of Burnley Rural District, and part of Preston Rural District, as well as the Bowland Rural District from the West Riding of Yorkshire, hence the addition of the Red Rose of Lancaster and White Rose of York on the council's coat of arms.
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Rishton
Coordinates: 53°46′12″N 2°25′07″W / 53.770110°N 2.418703°W / 53.770110; -2.418703
Rishton is a small town in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England, about 2 miles (3 km) west of Clayton-le-Moors and 4 miles (6 km) north-east of Blackburn. It was an urban district from 1894 to 1974.
Rishton was the first place that the cloth calico was woven on an industrial scale.[citation needed] Its name means "village (or farm) amid the rushes".
Rishton is situated in an area of low moorland north-east of Blackburn and north-west of Accrington. Its elevation above sea level varies from 250 feet (76 m) in the east where Norden Brook flows into the River Hyndburn, to 785 feet (239 m) on Rishton Height, north-west of the town.
In Rishton there are 3 primary schools. These are St. Peter and St. Paul's Church of England Primary School, St. Charles' Roman Catholic Primary School and Rishton Methodist Primary School. There is also 1 high school, Norden High School and Sports College, which serves children from Rishton and neighbouring towns.
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River Darwen
The River Darwen is a river running through Darwen and Blackburn in Lancashire.
The river was seriously polluted with human and industrial effluent during the Industrial Revolution, up to the early 1970s. The river often changed colour dramatically as a result of paper and paint mills routinely using river water to flush out dye and paint tanks. This has now ceased and the river is relatively clear with the return of trout and small fish.
Rising in Jack's Key Clough at the confluence of two streams from Bull Hill and Cranberry Moss, the river flows through the town of Darwen, continuing into the suburbs of Blackburn past Ewood Park. The river passes below the Leeds and Liverpool Canal at Ewood Aqueduct and is culverted again at Waterfall and near Griffin Park. It is joined by the River Blakewater near Witton Country Park in Blackburn and leaves the mostly urban landscapes of the towns behind, flowing through parklands and valleys. A further tributary, the River Roddlesworth, joins the Darwen at the bottom of Moulden Brow on the boundary between Blackburn with Darwen and Chorley Borough Council (the name Moulden Brow being associated with Moulden Water, an alternative name for this stretch of the river). From there, the Darwen flows past Hoghton Tower through Hoghton Bottoms and Samlesbury Bottoms, finally combining with the River Ribble at Walton-le-Dale.
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River Hodder
The River Hodder is a river in Lancashire, England. The river is a County Biological Heritage Site.
It rises on White Hill and flows for approximately 23 miles to the River Ribble, of which it is the largest tributary. The confluence of the rivers is an impressive[peacock term] sight, particularly when both are in spate.
The Hodder drains much of the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and all but the last mile of its course is through this scenic area.
The upper reaches of the river feed the large Stocks Reservoir, which provides much of[quantify] Lancashire's water supply. After exiting the reservoir, the Hodder continues in a general southward direction. It collects many tributaries from the valleys of Bowland and, lower down, parts of the Ribble Valley. Most notable among the feeders of the Hodder are Croasdale Brook, Easington Brook, the River Dunsop, Langden Brook and the River Loud.
Much of the land in the Hodder Valley further to the north is owned by the Crown as Duke of Lancaster, whilst further down, farming land on the Stonyhurst Estate is owned by Stonyhurst College and the Jesuits[citation needed]. The river runs close to the College and passes adjacent to the former preparatory school, Hodder Place. The river lends its name to the pre-preparatory department at Stonyhurst, "Hodder House" and also years three to five known collectively as "Hodder Playroom".
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River Ribble
The River Ribble is a river that runs through North Yorkshire and Lancashire, in northern England. The river's drainage basin also includes parts of Greater Manchester around Wigan.
The Ribble begins at the confluence of the Gayle Beck and Cam Beck near the famous viaduct at Ribblehead, in the shadow of the Yorkshire three peaks.
It flows through Settle, Clitheroe, Ribchester and Preston, before emptying into the Irish Sea between Lytham St. Annes and Southport, a length of 75 miles (121 km).
The main tributaries of the Ribble are the Hodder and Calder which join the river near Great Mitton, the River Darwen which joins at Walton-le-Dale and the River Douglas which joins near Hesketh Bank.
The Ribble Way is a long-distance footpath which follows the river for much of its course. The Ribble marked the northernmost extent of the ancient kingdom of Mercia. At the time of the Domesday Book, the river formed the northern boundary of an area of land (known as Inter Ripam et Mersam) that was included in the Domesday information for Cheshire, though it was probably not formally part of the county of Cheshire.
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River Wyre
The River Wyre is a river in Lancashire, United Kingdom, which flows into the Irish Sea at Fleetwood. It is approximately 28 miles (45 km) in length. The river is a County Biological Heritage Site.
The river rises in the Forest of Bowland in central Lancashire, as two distinct tributaries, the Tarnbrook Wyre and the Marshaw Wyre, whose confluence is near the village of Abbeystead. In 1984 a pumping station, built just below the confluence as part of a water transfer scheme in the 1980s, was the location of the Abbeystead disaster, an explosion in which 16 people were killed and a further 22 were injured.
From Abbeystead, the river flows south through Dolphinholme and Garstang to Catterall where it meets its first major tributary, the River Calder. The river then turns westwards, flowing through St Michael's On Wyre where it is joined by its second major tributary, the River Brock. It becomes tidal below the weir at St Michael's.
It is crossed by a toll bridge (normal fee is 40 pence) at Cartford, between Little Eccleston and Out Rawcliffe. A former toll bridge, Shard Bridge, close to Poulton-le-Fylde, has been rebuilt and is now free. The Lancaster Canal crosses on a small aqueduct at Garstang. A pedestrian ferry runs between Fleetwood and Knott End but the ferry to the Isle of Man no longer runs.
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Rossendale
Rossendale is a local government district with borough status in Lancashire, England. It is made up of a number of small former mill towns centred around the valley of the River Irwell in the industrial North West. The district combines urban with rural aspects, and is close to the more populated areas of Bolton, Burnley, Bury, Manchester and Rochdale.
In the 2001 census the population of Rossendale was 65,652, spread between the larger towns of Bacup, Haslingden and Rawtenstall; the villages of Crawshawbooth, Edenfield, Helmshore, Waterfoot, Whitworth; and as well as Britannia, Chatterton, Cloughfold, Cowpe, Irwell Vale, Newchurch, Shawforth, Stacksteads, Stubbins, Turn, Water, Weir.
The district was formed on April 1, 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, from the municipal boroughs of Bacup, Haslingden, Rawtenstall, part of Ramsbottom Urban District and Whitworth Urban District.
Rossendale is twinned with the German town of Bocholt, located close to the Netherlands border.
The name "Rossendale" may also refer geographically to Rossendale Valley, and historically refers to the medieval Forest or "Chase" of Rossendale, which encompassed approximately the same area as the modern district.
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Rutland
Coordinates: 52°39′20.00″N 0°39′30.00″W / 52.65556°N 0.65833°W / 52.65556; -0.65833
Rutland ( /ˈrʌtlənd/) is a landlocked county in central England, bounded on the west and north by Leicestershire, northeast by Lincolnshire and southeast by Peterborough (a unitary authority ceremonially in Cambridgeshire) and Northamptonshire.
Its greatest length north to south is only 18 miles (29.0 km), greatest breadth east to west, 17 miles (27.4 km). It is the smallest (in terms of population) normal unitary authority in mainland England (only the City of London is smaller in terms of area), and is 348th of the 354 districts in terms of population. It is the smallest historic English county, leading to the adoption of the Latin motto Multum In Parvo or "much in little" by the county council in 1950. Among modern ceremonial counties the Isle of Wight, City of London and City of Bristol are all smaller. The former County of London, in existence 1889 to 1965, also had a smaller area.
The only towns in Rutland are Oakham, the county town, and Uppingham. At the centre of the county is the large artificial reservoir, Rutland Water, with a similar surface area to Windermere. It is an important nature reserve serving as an overwintering site for wildfowl and a breeding site for ospreys. The town of Stamford is just over the border in a protruding part of Lincolnshire.
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Shropshire
Shropshire ( /ˈʃrɒpʃər/ or /ˈʃrɒpʃɪər/; alternatively Salop; abbreviated, in print only, Shrops) is a county in the West Midlands region of England. It borders Wales to the west, Cheshire to the north, Staffordshire to the east, Worcestershire to the south-east and Herefordshire to the south. A unitary authority (Shropshire Council) was created on 1 April 2009, taking over from the previous county council and 5 district councils, and covers most of the county. The borough of Telford and Wrekin, included in Shropshire for ceremonial purposes, has been a separate unitary authority since 1998.
The county's population and economy is centred on five towns: the county town of Shrewsbury, which is culturally and historically important and is located in the centre of the county;Telford, a new town in the east which was constructed around a number of older towns, most notably Wellington, Dawley and Madeley, which is today the most populous; and Oswestry in the north-west, Bridgnorth just to the south of Telford, and Ludlow in the south. The county has many further smaller towns, including Whitchurch in the north, Newport just to the north-east of Telford, and Market Drayton in the north-east of the county.
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Slough
Coordinates: 51°30′36″N 0°35′35″W / 51.51°N 0.593056°W / 51.51; -0.593056
Sloughi/ˈslaʊ/ is a borough and unitary authority within the ceremonial county of Royal Berkshire, England. The town straddles the A4 Bath Road (it becomes the Great West Road closer to London) and the Great Western Main Line, 22 miles (35 km) west of central London. At the 2001 census, the population of Slough was 119,070 (est. 122,000 in 2006) and the borough area was the most ethnically diverse local authority area outside London in the United Kingdom. Slough has the highest proportion of religious adherents in England.
Historically, the larger part of the present-day Slough area was formerly in Buckinghamshire with a small part of the borough originally in Middlesex. Slough is home to the Slough Trading Estate, which, coupled with extensive transport links, makes it an important business centre in South East England. It is the largest industrial estate in single private ownership in Europe.
Slough is at grid reference SU978797, just west of Greater London. Nearby towns are Windsor to the south, Maidenhead to the west, Uxbridge to the northeast and Beaconsfield to the north.
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South Lakeland
Coordinates: 54°18′43″N 2°52′48″W / 54.312°N 2.880°W / 54.312; -2.880
South Lakeland is a local government district in Cumbria, England. Its council is based in Kendal. It includes much of the Lake District.
The district was created on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. It was formed from the Kendal borough, Windermere urban district, most of Lakes urban district, South Westmorland Rural District, from Westmorland, Grange and Ulverston urban districts and North Lonsdale Rural District from Lancashire, and Sedbergh Rural District from the West Riding of Yorkshire.
Elections to the district council are held in three out of every four years, with one third of the 51 seats on the council being elected at each election. No political party held a majority on the council from the first election in 1973 to 2006. However since winning a majority at the 2006 election the Liberal Democrats have controlled the council. As of the 2012 election the council is composed of the following councillors:-
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South Ribble
Coordinates: 53°41′49″N 2°41′24″W / 53.697°N 2.690°W / 53.697; -2.690
South Ribble is a non-metropolitan district and borough of Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Leyland. In May 2007, the council was officially declared "Excellent" by the Audit Commission, gaining its place among the best 5 district councils in the country,
On 4 October 2007, a team from South Ribble won the LGC Challenge, defeating over 40 other authorities, including larger metropolitan and unitary councils.
South Ribble Borough Council is working in partnership with Chorley Borough Council (a neighbouring authority) on Finance, Procurement, Audit and other centralised functions.
Other notable population areas within South Ribble are Penwortham, Longton, Hutton (headquarters of the Lancashire Police), Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, a significant part of Buckshaw Village and Moss Side.
The district was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, from Leyland and Walton-le-Dale urban districts, along with part of Preston Rural District.
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Southampton
Southamptoni/saʊθˈhæmptən/ is the largest city in the county of Hampshire on the south coast of England, and is situated 120 kilometres (75 mi) south-west of London and 30 kilometres (19 mi) north-west of Portsmouth. Southampton is a major port and the closest city to the New Forest. It lies at the northernmost point of Southampton Water at the confluence of the River Test and River Itchen, with the River Hamble joining to the south of the urban area. The local authority is Southampton City Council, which is a unitary authority.
The city represents the core of the Greater Southampton region, and the city itself has an estimated population of 239,700 Southampton combines with Portsmouth to form a single metropolitan area; with a population of over a million this makes the region one of the United Kingdom's most populous metropolitan areas. The city's name is sometimes abbreviated in writing to "So'ton" or "Soton", and a resident of Southampton is called a Sotonian.
Significant employers in Southampton include the University of Southampton, Southampton Airport, the Ford Transit factory, Ordnance Survey, BBC South, the NHS, ABP and Carnival. Southampton is noted for its association with the RMS Titanic, the Spitfire and more recently a number of the largest cruise ships in the world.
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Southend-on-Sea
Southend-on-Sea ( pronunciation (help·info)) is a unitary authority area, town, and seaside resort in Essex, England. The district has Borough status, and comprises the towns of Chalkwell, Eastwood, Leigh-on-Sea, North Shoebury, Prittlewell, Shoeburyness, Southchurch, Thorpe Bay, and Westcliff-on-Sea. The district is situated within the Thames Gateway on the north side of the Thames estuary 40 miles (64 km) east of central London. It is bordered to the north by Rochford and to the west by Castle Point. It is home to the longest leisure pier in the world, The Southend Pier.London Southend Airport is located 2 Miles north of the town Center, and is one of London's 6 Major Airports.
Originally the "south end" of the village of Prittlewell, Southend became a seaside resort during the Georgian era, attracting many tourists in the summer months to its seven miles[citation needed] of beaches and bathing in the sea. Good rail connections and proximity to London mean that much of the economy has been based on tourism, and that Southend has been a dormitory town for city workers ever since. Southend Pier is the world's longest pleasure pier at 1.34 miles (2158m). It has suffered fires and ship collisions, most recently in October 2005, but the basic pier structure has been repaired each time. There has been significant loss of pier-head facilities since the major fire in 1976.
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Thurrock
Thurrock is a unitary authority with borough status in the English ceremonial county of Essex. It is part of the London commuter belt and an area of regeneration within the Thames Gateway redevelopment zone. The local authority is Thurrock Council.
It lies on the River Thames just to the east of London. With over 18 miles (29 km) of riverfront it covers an area of 64 square miles (166 km²), with more than half defined as Green Belt. With Greater London to the west and the river to the south, the county of Essex abuts the Borough to the north and east, and across the river lies Kent.
The local authority is Thurrock Council. Elections are held 3 out of every 4 years. In the last election in 2012, Labour took control after a period in which no party had overall control.
Thurrock is covered by two parliamentary constituencies. Thurrock includes most of the borough while South Basildon and East Thurrock includes some wards in the east of the borough. Both seats were Conservative gains from Labour at the 2010 general election.
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Trafford
Coordinates: 53°26′N 2°18′W / 53.433°N 2.3°W / 53.433; -2.3
Trafford is a metropolitan borough of Greater Manchester, England. With an estimated population of about 211,800 in 2006, it covers 41 square miles (106 km2) and includes the towns of Altrincham, Partington, Sale, Stretford, and Urmston. The borough was formed on 1 April 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972 as a merger of the municipal boroughs of Altrincham, Sale, and Stretford, the urban districts of Bowdon, Hale, and Urmston and part of Bucklow Rural District. All were previously in Cheshire, apart from Stretford and Urmston which were in Lancashire. The River Mersey flows through the borough, separating North Trafford from South Trafford. Historically the Mersey also acted as the boundary between the historic counties of Lancashire and Cheshire.
The Trafford area has a long heritage, with evidence of Neolithic, Bronze Age, and Roman activity. Amongst the relics of the past are two castles – one of them a Scheduled Ancient Monument – and over 200 listed buildings. The area underwent change in the late 19th century and the population rapidly expanded with the arrival of the railway. Trafford is the home of Manchester United F.C. and Lancashire County Cricket Club and since 2002 the Imperial War Museum North.
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Warrington
Warrington is a town, borough and unitary authority area of Cheshire, England. It stands on the banks of the River Mersey, which is tidal to the west of the weir at Howley. It lies 16 miles east of Liverpool, 19 miles west of Manchester and 8 miles south of St Helens. The population of the borough is 198,900. Its population has more than doubled since its designation as a New Town in 1968.
Historically a part of Lancashire, Warrington was founded by the Romans at an important crossing place on the River Mersey. A new settlement was established by the Saxons and by the Middle Ages, Warrington had emerged as a market town at a bridging point of the river. A local tradition of textile and tool production dates from this time.
The expansion and urbanisation of Warrington largely coincided with the Industrial Revolution, particularly after the Mersey was made navigable in the 18th century. The West Coast Mainline runs north to south through the town, and the Liverpool to Manchester railway (the Cheshire Lines route) west to east. The Manchester Ship Canal cuts through the south of the borough (west to east). The M6, M56 and M62 motorways form a partial box around the town.
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Wesham
Coordinates: 53°47′25″N 2°53′09″W / 53.7902°N 2.8857°W / 53.7902; -2.8857
Medlar with Wesham is civil parish on the Fylde in Lancashire, England. It lies within the Borough of Fylde, and had a population of 3,245 in 1,294 households recorded in the 2001 census.
The parish contains the town of Wesham, adjacent to the larger town of Kirkham outside the parish. Technically, town status attaches to the whole parish, but in practice it is the settlement of Wesham that is referred to as a "town".
The area within the boundaries of the parish have been populated since early medieval times, prior to the Norman conquest, with separate settlements at Bradkirk, Medlar, Wesham and Mowbreck. There was also a single moted farmstead at Pasture Barn midway between Medlar and Mowbreck. The present bridleway of Mowbreck Lane was the medieval route to Treales.
The modern town of Wesham (pronounced variously `Wesham', `Wessam' and `Wezzum') is only about 160 years old, and developed as the railway expanded to serve the growing popularity of resort towns such as Blackpool. From the 1920s to the 1950s huge numbers of steam trains plied their way to the coast via the station at Kirkham and Wesham.
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West Lancashire
Coordinates: 53°33′43″N 2°49′37″W / 53.562°N 2.827°W / 53.562; -2.827
West Lancashire is a non-metropolitan district with the status of a borough in Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Ormskirk. The other town in the borough is Skelmersdale.
The district was formed in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972, as a merger of Ormskirk and Skelmersdale and Holland urban districts along with part of West Lancashire Rural District and part of Wigan Rural District.
Political Composition as of 4th May 2012 the Conservative Leader Councillor Ian Grant and Labour Leader Councillior John Fillis have-
The main towns of Ormskirk (including the village of Westhead) and Skelmersdale are unparished areas.
There is a single Parish meeting for Bispham Green.
West Lancashire is twinned with:
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Wiltshire
Wiltshire ( /ˈwɪltʃər/ or /ˈwɪltʃɪər/, formerly /ˈwɪlʃər/; or the County of Wilts) is a ceremonial county in South West England. It is landlocked and borders the counties of Dorset, Somerset, Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire. It contains the unitary authority of Swindon and covers 3,485 km2 (1,346 square miles). The ancient county town was Wilton, but since 1930 Wiltshire County Council and its successor Wiltshire Council (from 2009) have been based at Trowbridge.
Wiltshire is characterised by its high downland and wide valleys. Salisbury Plain is famous as the location of the Stonehenge and Avebury stone circles and other ancient landmarks and as the main training area in the UK of the British Army. The city of Salisbury is notable for its mediaeval cathedral. Important country houses open to the public include Longleat, near Warminster, and the National Trust's Stourhead, near Mere.
The county, in the 9th century written as Wiltunscir, later Wiltonshire, is named after the former county town of Wilton, itself named after the river Wylye, one of eight rivers which drain the county.
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Wyre
Coordinates: 53°54′00″N 2°48′32″W / 53.900°N 2.809°W / 53.900; -2.809
Wyre is a local government district with borough status in Lancashire, England. Its council is based in Poulton-le-Fylde.
The district is named after the River Wyre, which runs through the district. It was formed on 1 April 1974 by the Local Government Act 1972, and was a merger of the municipal borough of Fleetwood, along with Poulton-le-Fylde, Preesall and Thornton-Cleveleys urban districts and Garstang Rural District.
Elections to Wyre Borough Council take place every four years on the first Thursday in May. All 55 councillors are elected from 26 wards. Since the formation of the council in 1973 it has been under the control of the Conservative Party with the exception of one term from 1995 to 1999 when the Labour Party held control of the council.
Following the most recent election held on 5 May 2011 the composition of the council is as follows:
Wyre is split into three Parliamentary Constituencies - Wyre and Preston North, Lancaster and Fleetwood and Blackpool North and Cleveleys. This was recently changed as part of the Boundary changes for the United Kingdom general election, 2010. Before this change it had been split into three Lancaster and Wyre, Blackpool North and Fleetwood and Fylde.
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York
York (locali/ˈjɔːk/) is a walled city, situated at the confluence of the Rivers Ouse and Foss in North Yorkshire, England. The city has a rich heritage and has provided the backdrop to major political events throughout much of its two millennia of existence. The city offers a wealth of historic attractions, of which York Minster is the most prominent, and a variety of cultural and sporting activities.
The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD, under the name of Eboracum. It became in turn the capital of the Roman province of Britannia Inferior, and of the kingdoms of Northumbria and Jorvik. In the Middle Ages, York grew as a major wool trading centre and became the capital of the northern ecclesiastical province of the Church of England, a role it has retained.
In the 19th century York became a hub of the railway network and a confectionery manufacturing centre. In recent decades, the economy of York has moved from being dominated by its confectionery and railway-related industries to one that provides services. The University of York and health services have become major employers, whilst tourism has become an important element of the local economy.
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Jake Berry
James Jacob Gilchrist (Jake) Berry (born 29 December 1978) is a British Conservative Party politician. He is the Member of Parliament (MP) for Rossendale and Darwen, having won the seat at the 2010 UK General Election when he beat Labour Party MP Janet Anderson by a majority of 4,000 votes.
Berry was born in Liverpool and educated at Liverpool College, Sheffield University and studied Law at Chester College subsequently becoming a solicitor with Halliwells LLP, a law firm in Manchester. Berry is a solicitor for commercial property. He now lives with his wife Charlotte in Helmshore.
Berry was elected in the 2010 General Election as MP for Rossendale and Darwen. He won against incumbent MP Janet Anderson, who held the position for eighteen years, in an 8.9% swing to the Conservatives. Berry overturned a Labour majority of 3,616 to win by 4,493 votes.
In 2010 he was appointed as the Parliamentary Private Secretary (PPS) to Grant Shapps, the Minister for Housing and Local Government at the Department of Communities and Local Government.
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Visions of Darwen and Blackburn
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:03
- Updated: 01 Nov 2012
Stills Filmshow of Darwen and Blackburn from the 1930's to the 1960's including music by Humphrey Littleton. Made for Mum and Dad.
http://wn.com/Visions_of_Darwen_and_Blackburn
Stills Filmshow of Darwen and Blackburn from the 1930's to the 1960's including music by Humphrey Littleton. Made for Mum and Dad.
Smarter transport choices around Blackburn and Darwen
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:43
- Updated: 24 Aug 2012
Why not make smarter choices today? Smarter Choices can help you to make better choices about the way you travel. It is aimed at helping people to reduce their car use by looking at what other options are available, whether it be walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing.
http://wn.com/Smarter_transport_choices_around_Blackburn_and_Darwen
Why not make smarter choices today? Smarter Choices can help you to make better choices about the way you travel. It is aimed at helping people to reduce their car use by looking at what other options are available, whether it be walking, cycling, public transport or car sharing.
- published: 27 Oct 2009
- views: 445
- author: BwDCtube
Darwen & Blackburn Night Photography Shots
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:39
- Updated: 09 Oct 2012
A selection of night photography shots from in and around the Darwen with Blackburn area.
http://wn.com/Darwen_Blackburn_Night_Photography_Shots
A selection of night photography shots from in and around the Darwen with Blackburn area.
- published: 29 Feb 2012
- views: 85
- author: diddibond
Your Call - Blackburn with Darwen 2012
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:21
- Updated: 04 May 2012
Blackburn with Darwen has been through a difficult time. It's been tough and will continue to be tough. Spending cuts mean that Council services have changed forever. But, thanks to you, Blackburn with Darwen is far from doom and gloom. You've already shown your community pride by helping organise events in your communities, now we need even more of you to join in. We've launched a new campaign called Your Call. Quite simply, it gives you the opportunities to make a real difference in your community. Whether you shop locally, join in a clean up, take action on domestic abuse or road safety, your choices and actions count. It's Your Call if you want to play your part and fight for Blackburn with Darwen. We'll support and encourage you all the way because what matters to you, matters to us. We've made it as easy as possible for you to get involved. You can: Look at our website www.blackburn.gov.uk Email us at yourcall@blackburn.gov.uk Call us (01254) 588188 Text Yourcall to 88020 Join our hashtag discussions on Twitter #bwdyrcall Watch us on You tube www.youtube.com
http://wn.com/Your_Call_Blackburn_with_Darwen_2012
Blackburn with Darwen has been through a difficult time. It's been tough and will continue to be tough. Spending cuts mean that Council services have changed forever. But, thanks to you, Blackburn with Darwen is far from doom and gloom. You've already shown your community pride by helping organise events in your communities, now we need even more of you to join in. We've launched a new campaign called Your Call. Quite simply, it gives you the opportunities to make a real difference in your community. Whether you shop locally, join in a clean up, take action on domestic abuse or road safety, your choices and actions count. It's Your Call if you want to play your part and fight for Blackburn with Darwen. We'll support and encourage you all the way because what matters to you, matters to us. We've made it as easy as possible for you to get involved. You can: Look at our website www.blackburn.gov.uk Email us at yourcall@blackburn.gov.uk Call us (01254) 588188 Text Yourcall to 88020 Join our hashtag discussions on Twitter #bwdyrcall Watch us on You tube www.youtube.com
- published: 10 Jan 2012
- views: 146
- author: BwDCtube
FOR SALE, Westwood Manor House, Blackburn Rd, Darwen
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:40
- Updated: 07 Aug 2012
- 3 BEDROOOMS - 2 DRAWING ROOMS - OFFICE/READING ROOM - CONSERVATORY - STUNNING FITTED KITCHEN - FAMILY BATHROOM - SHOWER ROOM - AMAZING HALL AND STAIRS - LOVELY GROUNDS - A WEALTH OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES On approach to this property you drive through wrought Iron Gates and up the drive to the Manor House. There are private gated parking spaces for up to 3-4 cars. You walk through the garden gate into the grounds of this house. On entering the property you enter a vestibule (2.13mx 2.60m) not like any other vestibule I've ever seen. There are inset wall paintings and it has the original architraving around the ceiling with coving, detailed in a gold finish. There are stained glass windows on the vestibule door which then lead you into the main hallway. An impressive Hall (6.43mx 2.50m) with a sweeping staircase leading to the galleried landing. The flooring is the original tiling, dating back to the 1800's. The first Drawing Room is on your right, it is a magnificent size (5.54mx 4.67) with a beautiful Maple floor, High Ceilings and the original Coving... There are fabulous Sash windows with seating area and a Feature Fireplace with Open Fire. From here you walk through Patio Doors into a large conservatory (4.98mx 3.92m) which is very private and looks out onto the gardens. It is decorated and finished with a laminate floor. There is a ceiling fan and patio doors leading out onto the gardens. Returning to the grand hall you now enter the 2nd Drawing Room (6.36mx 4.47m ...
http://wn.com/FOR_SALE,_Westwood_Manor_House,_Blackburn_Rd,_Darwen
- 3 BEDROOOMS - 2 DRAWING ROOMS - OFFICE/READING ROOM - CONSERVATORY - STUNNING FITTED KITCHEN - FAMILY BATHROOM - SHOWER ROOM - AMAZING HALL AND STAIRS - LOVELY GROUNDS - A WEALTH OF ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES On approach to this property you drive through wrought Iron Gates and up the drive to the Manor House. There are private gated parking spaces for up to 3-4 cars. You walk through the garden gate into the grounds of this house. On entering the property you enter a vestibule (2.13mx 2.60m) not like any other vestibule I've ever seen. There are inset wall paintings and it has the original architraving around the ceiling with coving, detailed in a gold finish. There are stained glass windows on the vestibule door which then lead you into the main hallway. An impressive Hall (6.43mx 2.50m) with a sweeping staircase leading to the galleried landing. The flooring is the original tiling, dating back to the 1800's. The first Drawing Room is on your right, it is a magnificent size (5.54mx 4.67) with a beautiful Maple floor, High Ceilings and the original Coving... There are fabulous Sash windows with seating area and a Feature Fireplace with Open Fire. From here you walk through Patio Doors into a large conservatory (4.98mx 3.92m) which is very private and looks out onto the gardens. It is decorated and finished with a laminate floor. There is a ceiling fan and patio doors leading out onto the gardens. Returning to the grand hall you now enter the 2nd Drawing Room (6.36mx 4.47m ...
- published: 06 Aug 2012
- views: 5557
- author: AinsworthLordEstates
Blackburn & Darwen Mc's Live (Royal Flush)
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 6:59
- Updated: 11 Dec 2012
DJ Chino Blackburn Mc's: Mackley, Pulse, Hyper Darwen Mc's: Blitz, Bounce-e, Mr E
http://wn.com/Blackburn_Darwen_Mc's_Live_Royal_Flush
DJ Chino Blackburn Mc's: Mackley, Pulse, Hyper Darwen Mc's: Blitz, Bounce-e, Mr E
- published: 10 May 2009
- views: 16557
- author: LNDLmikey
Blackburn and Darwen Band plays The Wizard, Delph 09
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:01
- Updated: 15 Jun 2012
Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band plays The Wizard by George Allen. Whit Friday Quickstep contest, Delph, June 5th 2009.
http://wn.com/Blackburn_and_Darwen_Band_plays_The_Wizard,_Delph_09
Blackburn and Darwen Brass Band plays The Wizard by George Allen. Whit Friday Quickstep contest, Delph, June 5th 2009.
- published: 06 Jun 2009
- views: 2613
- author: bannan61
Blackburn with Darwen carers service "Pass it on"
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 6:04
- Updated: 22 Nov 2012
Blackburn with Darwen carers service is an organisation for anyone who cares for a friend or relative (adult or child) who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability or frailty. This video shows how the service has made a difference to carers in the area including interviews with a range of carers. About 1 in 8 people are carers at any one time, and anyone can be affected by caring at some time in their life. Pass it on...
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_carers_service_Pass_it_on
Blackburn with Darwen carers service is an organisation for anyone who cares for a friend or relative (adult or child) who could not manage without their help because of illness, disability or frailty. This video shows how the service has made a difference to carers in the area including interviews with a range of carers. About 1 in 8 people are carers at any one time, and anyone can be affected by caring at some time in their life. Pass it on...
- published: 20 Aug 2009
- views: 368
- author: BwDCtube
Extra care housing in Blackburn with Darwen
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 8:36
- Updated: 20 Aug 2011
Extra care housing shows the vision for housing for older people in Blackburn with Darwen. It reflects the partnership with Housing21 and is part of the Older Persons Housing and Well Being Programme. For more information contact housingstrategy@blackburn.gov.uk. You can also email us with your ideas and help shape the future housing for older people.
http://wn.com/Extra_care_housing_in_Blackburn_with_Darwen
Extra care housing shows the vision for housing for older people in Blackburn with Darwen. It reflects the partnership with Housing21 and is part of the Older Persons Housing and Well Being Programme. For more information contact housingstrategy@blackburn.gov.uk. You can also email us with your ideas and help shape the future housing for older people.
- published: 03 Dec 2009
- views: 491
- author: BwDCtube
Blackburn Rovers Darwen End Singers :-)
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:18
- Updated: 08 Nov 2010
First game of the season against Everton just before kick-off. Darwen End singers in full voice \o/
http://wn.com/Blackburn_Rovers_Darwen_End_Singers_-
First game of the season against Everton just before kick-off. Darwen End singers in full voice \o/
- published: 26 Aug 2010
- views: 1736
- author: Dave ZoOm
Alleygating Project from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Groundwork Pennine Lancashire
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:23
- Updated: 19 May 2012
The alleygating scheme prevents burglars and other trespassers from accessing the rear and side of terraced properties by erecting lockable gates in alleyways or footpaths shared by a number of houses. Fly-tipping, vandalism and littering are also reduced, leading to further benefits for the residents through reduced insurance costs and increased property value. Funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and delivered by environmental charity Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, the scheme was rolled out during the course of 2009 and, after the successful installation of three pilot schemes, the programme is now fully operational. There are now twelve fully implemented schemes across the Borough, with the largest scheme having twelve individual gates protecting the rear alleys of approximately a hundred businesses and residential properties in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn.
http://wn.com/Alleygating_Project_from_Blackburn_with_Darwen_Borough_Council_and_Groundwork_Pennine_Lancashire
The alleygating scheme prevents burglars and other trespassers from accessing the rear and side of terraced properties by erecting lockable gates in alleyways or footpaths shared by a number of houses. Fly-tipping, vandalism and littering are also reduced, leading to further benefits for the residents through reduced insurance costs and increased property value. Funded by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and delivered by environmental charity Groundwork Pennine Lancashire, the scheme was rolled out during the course of 2009 and, after the successful installation of three pilot schemes, the programme is now fully operational. There are now twelve fully implemented schemes across the Borough, with the largest scheme having twelve individual gates protecting the rear alleys of approximately a hundred businesses and residential properties in the Mill Hill area of Blackburn.
- published: 07 Dec 2011
- views: 193
- author: GroundworkPL
Blackburn with Darwen Future City Game (Podcast 1 of 4) 10 and 14 December 2009
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:16
- Updated: 21 Aug 2010
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_Future_City_Game_Podcast_1_of_4_10_and_14_December_2009
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
- published: 18 Jan 2010
- views: 400
- author: creativecitieseurope
Sunnyhurst Woods, Darwen - Near Blackburn, Lancashire
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:57
- Updated: 02 Jul 2012
www.visitnorthwest.com Sunnyhurst Wood - beautiful wooded valley in Darwen, Lancashire (near Blackburn). Lots of wildlife. Shaded paths line the valley along Sunnyhurst Brook leading up to the Earnsdale Reservoir and Darwen Moor and the Jubilee Tower (Darwen Tower). The Olde England Kiosk is here and is a licensed function room suitable for weddings and other celebrations. Sunnyhurst Woods are managed by Blackburn with Darwen Council
http://wn.com/Sunnyhurst_Woods,_Darwen_Near_Blackburn,_Lancashire
www.visitnorthwest.com Sunnyhurst Wood - beautiful wooded valley in Darwen, Lancashire (near Blackburn). Lots of wildlife. Shaded paths line the valley along Sunnyhurst Brook leading up to the Earnsdale Reservoir and Darwen Moor and the Jubilee Tower (Darwen Tower). The Olde England Kiosk is here and is a licensed function room suitable for weddings and other celebrations. Sunnyhurst Woods are managed by Blackburn with Darwen Council
- published: 17 Jun 2010
- views: 607
- author: motty07
pentacle 2009 area by blackburn and darwen band
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 5:22
- Updated: 10 Jun 2012
blackburn and darwen band play pentacle. 2nd palce. movements 4 and 5
http://wn.com/pentacle_2009_area_by_blackburn_and_darwen_band
blackburn and darwen band play pentacle. 2nd palce. movements 4 and 5
- published: 12 Mar 2009
- views: 767
- author: bigbobj
Blackburn Rovers Darwen End Singing Section Barmy Army
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:30
- Updated: 20 May 2011
Blackburn fans in the 'singing section' of the Darwen End singing their hearts out for the lads. Blackburn vs Wigan (2-1) 27.01.10 Facebook group - www.facebook.com
http://wn.com/Blackburn_Rovers_Darwen_End_Singing_Section_Barmy_Army
Blackburn fans in the 'singing section' of the Darwen End singing their hearts out for the lads. Blackburn vs Wigan (2-1) 27.01.10 Facebook group - www.facebook.com
- published: 28 Jan 2010
- views: 2487
- author: jarosikzero
Blackburn with Darwen Council : Interview with Chief executive Graham Burgess January 2009
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 3:07
- Updated: 14 Nov 2012
The Audit Commission has awarded Blackburn with Darwen Council the maximum four star rating and judged it to be performing strongly. Interview with Blackburn with Darwen Council Chief executive Graham Burgess.
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_Council_Interview_with_Chief_executive_Graham_Burgess_January_2009
The Audit Commission has awarded Blackburn with Darwen Council the maximum four star rating and judged it to be performing strongly. Interview with Blackburn with Darwen Council Chief executive Graham Burgess.
- published: 21 Jan 2009
- views: 804
- author: BwDCtube
Blackburn with Darwen Future City Game (Podcast 2 of 4) 10 and 14 December 2009
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:16
- Updated: 15 Aug 2010
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_Future_City_Game_Podcast_2_of_4_10_and_14_December_2009
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
- published: 18 Jan 2010
- views: 110
- author: creativecitieseurope
Blackburn Rovers - Darwen End Singing - SALGADO - 23.01.11
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 0:16
- Updated: 14 Aug 2011
..He came from Real Madrid He didn't cost a quid...
http://wn.com/Blackburn_Rovers_Darwen_End_Singing_SALGADO_230111
..He came from Real Madrid He didn't cost a quid...
- published: 27 Jan 2011
- views: 5414
- author: Dave ZoOm
Blackburn Rovers - Darwen End Singing - GOAL -23.01.11
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 1:06
- Updated: 08 Jan 2012
Rovers v West Brom. Darwen End reaction after Hoilett's stunning goal \o/
http://wn.com/Blackburn_Rovers_Darwen_End_Singing_GOAL_-230111
Rovers v West Brom. Darwen End reaction after Hoilett's stunning goal \o/
- published: 24 Jan 2011
- views: 2364
- author: Dave ZoOm
NHS Blackburn with Darwen - Fluoride Varnish
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:16
- Updated: 15 Feb 2012
http://wn.com/NHS_Blackburn_with_Darwen_Fluoride_Varnish
GDRpr Blackburn with Darwen Council election video
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:20
- Updated: 26 Aug 2010
GDRpr Background: The council wanted to raise the profile of the 2009 European elections as well as encouraging people to vote in the inaugural elections for the new Darwen Town Council, both being held on the same day. Objective: To target potential voters across a range of hard-to-reach audiences with a message informing them about the elections and encouraging them to vote and also create opportunities across conventional and social media for the council to get its message across. What we did: We came up with the idea, scripted, filmed and edited a two-minute video clip encouraging people to vote. The clip engaged council staff in coming up with ideas for how to make the shape of an X (similar to the X on a ballot paper) and featured the staff themselves as well as people who used council facilities and services. The clip was uploaded onto YouTube to highlight the councils voting message as well as being shown on a loop on town hall public information screens. An edited-down 30-second version of the clip was then used for a Bluetooth project in Blackburn and Darwen town centres on election day. The clip was transmitted out to peoples mobile phones in key hotspot areas to get the voting message across believed to be the first time in the UK that a council has used Bluetooth technology to encourage voter turnout. Result: The project generated major national and regional media coverage. One council employee who took to walking to and from work with an X on his back as a ...
http://wn.com/GDRpr_Blackburn_with_Darwen_Council_election_video
GDRpr Background: The council wanted to raise the profile of the 2009 European elections as well as encouraging people to vote in the inaugural elections for the new Darwen Town Council, both being held on the same day. Objective: To target potential voters across a range of hard-to-reach audiences with a message informing them about the elections and encouraging them to vote and also create opportunities across conventional and social media for the council to get its message across. What we did: We came up with the idea, scripted, filmed and edited a two-minute video clip encouraging people to vote. The clip engaged council staff in coming up with ideas for how to make the shape of an X (similar to the X on a ballot paper) and featured the staff themselves as well as people who used council facilities and services. The clip was uploaded onto YouTube to highlight the councils voting message as well as being shown on a loop on town hall public information screens. An edited-down 30-second version of the clip was then used for a Bluetooth project in Blackburn and Darwen town centres on election day. The clip was transmitted out to peoples mobile phones in key hotspot areas to get the voting message across believed to be the first time in the UK that a council has used Bluetooth technology to encourage voter turnout. Result: The project generated major national and regional media coverage. One council employee who took to walking to and from work with an X on his back as a ...
- published: 09 Oct 2009
- views: 223
- author: GDRpr
Blackburn with Darwen Future City Game (Podcast 3 of 4) 10 and 14 December 2009
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 2:36
- Updated: 19 Jul 2010
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_Future_City_Game_Podcast_3_of_4_10_and_14_December_2009
The Future City Game was played by members of Blackburn with Darwen Local Strategic Partnership (LSP). Listen to the game players, organisers and members of the LSP and panel of experts reflect on the game. Over two days the LSP, the body made up of public organisations, local employers and community groups, worked in four teams to develop ideas to tackle the boroughs big issues and come up with ideas that will improve the area over the next twenty years. The winning idea, Electra, will be included in the Vision 2030 plan. The game was planned in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen and the Centre for Local Economic Strategies and the Games Master was Neil McInroy, Chief Executive of CLES. The All the winning ideas can be seen on the Creative Cities website creativecities.britishcouncil.org
- published: 18 Jan 2010
- views: 97
- author: creativecitieseurope
Blackburn with Darwen Big Band
- Order: Reorder
- Duration: 6:12
- Updated: 11 Oct 2012
A promotional video for the band from the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival 2012
http://wn.com/Blackburn_with_Darwen_Big_Band
A promotional video for the band from the Ribble Valley Jazz Festival 2012
- published: 11 Oct 2012
- views: 20
- author: Tony Ellis
photo: AP / Pablo Martinez Monsivais
19 Dec 2012
WASHINGTON ... "He is heartened... On Monday, the White House said Obama did not yet have a "specific" agenda on gun control, but would begin a dialogue with Americans on a broad approach to the issue within "weeks." ... Andrei Nikitchyuk, father of a boy who escaped from the school in Newtown, called for "immediate change" as he stood with campaigners who had lost loved ones in shootings including those at Virginia Tech and Aurora, Colorado....(size: 4.9Kb)
photo: AP / Charles Krupa
18 Dec 2012
Four students with a handgun were arrested. They too were planning to carry out a shooting rampage with the possibility of setting-off bombs ... Compared with people of the same race, sex, age, and neighborhood, those who keep a gun in the home (ironically, often for protection) are 3 times more likely to be murdered in the home-nearly always by a family member or acquaintance....(size: 14.0Kb)
photo: Creative Commons / Joachim Huber
18 Dec 2012
Paleontologist Tim Flannery would more than likely agree with Crabtree ... A variety of stone and wood clubs, throwing spears, axes, bows and arrows, including a number of cutting and slicing stones with serrated edges, have revealed extremely advanced techniques. Projectiles, like the atlatls and langaliers, were also developed with a groove at the end and another to hold the weapon in place until its release....(size: 9.4Kb)
photo: AP / Carolyn Kaster
20 Dec 2012
Biden and other cabinet members planned to meet with law enforcement leaders from across the country to discuss policy ideas on Thursday, a White House official said ... With Biden at his side, Obama said the group would give him proposals he could outline in his State of the Union speech in late January ... Members of Congress said they had been besieged with messages from constituents....(size: 6.1Kb)
photo: AP / Manu Brabo
18 Dec 2012
The UN's humanitarian chief has called on Syria to urgently allow fuel imports for aid deliveries and give access to 10 more aid agencies ... 'Greater rebel contact' ... "I also informed the government that we will be making greater contacts with the opposition inside of Syria itself," she told reporters on Tuesday after briefing the UN Security Council on her Syria trip ... The claim could not be independently verified ... ....(size: 2.6Kb)
noodls
19 Oct 2012
The enterprise programme developed in partnership by Lancashire Business View magazine, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire, and Blackburn with Darwen Council will support a minimum of 600 SMEs trading less than 36 months to achieve their growth potential and create 1,000 new jobs ... Councillor Andy Kay, Executive Member for Resources at Blackburn with Darwen Council and Chair of Regenerate's Governing Body said....(size: 5.6Kb)
noodls
18 Oct 2012
Lancashire author, Linda Sawley will be giving a talk about her book Weaving through the years, at Blackburn library ... Carrie's life echoes that of Grace as both are strong Lancashire women, who deal with life ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 2.0Kb)
noodls
16 Oct 2012
There are a number of workshops being offered at both Blackburn and Darwen library, Witton Park and a number of schools and children centres ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 1.9Kb)
noodls
16 Oct 2012
The next Blackburn with Darwen ride takes place on Sunday, October 28 at 10am ... of Lancashire, from Darwen tower to Holcombe ... For more information and to register for the rides visit http.//www.goskyride.com/blackburn-with-darwen ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 2.1Kb)
noodls
16 Oct 2012
Kind hearted Blackburn with Darwen Council staff have donated plenty of food to help those struggling to feed their families in the borough ... Ros said she was pleased with the amount of food and thanked Council staff for their generosity. Councillor Kate Hollern, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, said ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 3.2Kb)
noodls
15 Oct 2012
noodls
15 Oct 2012
The health checks are supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Care Trust Plus. This is open to people who have GP in Blackburn with Darwen and people who have not already been diagnosed with heart or kidney disease or diabetes ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk ......(size: 2.2Kb)
noodls
15 Oct 2012
Patient groups have welcomed NHS Blackburn with Darwen Care Trust Plus redesign of sub-acute rehabilitation care in response to patients' views and clinical advice ... Under the new system, they can be discharged to a variety of services in Blackburn with Darwen, including a newly redesigned service of ten sub-acute beds at Springfield Care Home, Preston New Road....(size: 4.8Kb)
noodls
12 Oct 2012
This Halloween sees the return of the DIG IT event at Blakeys which provides local bands the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of a live audience and with a ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 1.7Kb)
noodls
12 Oct 2012
Your signature on the postal vote statement that is returned to the Local Returning Officer with your ballot paper must match the signature that was provided when you completed your postal vote application form ... "It has never been easier to have your say with different ways to vote so freely available ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 3.3Kb)
noodls
11 Oct 2012
Blackburn with Darwen Council is looking for between 12 to 15 members for the new Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen Shadow Board ... A community enterprise, a not-for-profit organisation, will be established so that residents and people that use Health and Social Care Services in Blackburn with Darwen will have a direct say in how Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen runs, the priorities it chooses and the plans it makes....(size: 4.2Kb)
noodls
11 Oct 2012
NHS Free Health Checks are supported by Blackburn with Darwen Council and the Care Trust Plus. They are open to people aged 35 - 74 who live, work, are educated or have a GP in Blackburn with Darwen and have not already been diagnosed with ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 2.1Kb)
noodls
11 Oct 2012
Social media works shops to take place in Blackburn and Darwen ... Darwen Access Point, Monday, November 5, 1 - 4pm ... This noodl was issued by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and was initially posted at www.blackburn.gov.uk....(size: 1.7Kb)
| Borough of Blackburn with Darwen | |
|---|---|
| — Unitary, Borough — | |
 |
|
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Constituent country | England |
| Region | North West England |
| Ceremonial county | Lancashire |
| Founded | |
| Admin. HQ | Blackburn |
| Government | |
| • Type | Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council |
| • Leadership: | Leader & Cabinet |
| • Executive: Labour Party | Labour |
| • MPs: | Jake Berry (C) Jack Straw (L) |
| Area | |
| • Total | 52.9 sq mi (137.0 km2) |
| Area rank | 196th |
| Population (2010 est.) | |
| • Total | 140,000 |
| • Rank | Ranked 140th |
| • Density | 2,600/sq mi (1,000/km2) |
| Time zone | Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) |
| • Summer (DST) | British Summer Time (UTC+1) |
| Postcode | |
| ISO 3166-2 | |
| ONS code | 00EX |
| OS grid reference | |
| NUTS 3 | |
| Ethnicity | 77.3% White 20.4% S.Asian 1.2 Mixed 0.6% Black 0.5% E.Asian and Other |
| Website | blackburn.gov.uk |
Blackburn with Darwen is a unitary authority area in Lancashire, North West England. It consists of Blackburn, the small town of Darwen to the south of it, and the surrounding countryside.
Contents |
Formation[link]
It was founded in 1974 as the Lancashire borough of Blackburn, from the County Borough of Blackburn, the Borough of Darwen, parts of Turton Urban District (chiefly the villages of Belmont, Chapeltown and Edgworth) and parts of Blackburn Rural District. It was renamed in May 1997, in preparation for a split from Lancashire County Council. On 1 April 1998 it became a unitary authority.
Demographics[link]
The proportion of Muslim population (19.4% or 26,674 people) is the third highest among all local authorities in the United Kingdom and the highest outside London. 20.4% of the districts population belongs to any South Asian ethnic group, making it the highest percentage in the region, and almost four times higher than national average of South Asians.[1]
Local elections[link]
Main article: Blackburn with Darwen local elections
There is a total of 64 seats on the council with the borough is divided up into 23 wards, all with three councillors with the exception of Earcroft, Whitehall, and North Turton and Tockholes, which have 2 members, and East Rural which has one.
Local elections[link]
The council was shaken in 2004 when six Labour councillors quit the ruling group one month after an election, meaning 6,442 people who voted for a Labour councillor were left with independent representatives and the council temporarily fell into no overall control.[2][3] The councillors, who eventually re-joined the party, left over an internal row reportedly sparked by the demotion of particular councillors in a post-election reshuffle.[2] Allegations of vote-rigging and corruption have dogged the council, with members of the Muslim community reportedly being "strong-armed by mosque leaders and councillors to vote Labour" during elections.[4] The possibility of corruption has been eased by reforms to postal voting which have made electoral fraud "childishly simple" in the UK according to a European watchdog.[5] The number of postal votes registered in Blackburn in 2005 was 20,000, compared to 7,600 in 2001.[4] In April 2005, local councillor Mohammed Hussain was jailed for three years for rigging the 2002 town hall election by stealing at least 230 postal vote ballots in his ward.[6]
The local elections of May 2007 saw a coalition of parties take control of the council from Labour. The small For Darwen party and independents held the fine balance of power on the council in a partnership with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats. Like its predecessor, the ruling administration also attracted controversy; one of its councillors being suspended following a conviction for benefit fraud[7] and another following allegations of domestic abuse.[8] Tensions over the presence of former England First Party member Michael Johnson within the coalition as part of For Darwen rose to the surface when Johnson was quoted in The Sun newspaper in October 2007 blaming his unemployment on "all the immigrants flooding this country." "These people take our jobs and it will only get worse", he said.[9] Three weeks before local elections in May 2008, a Liberal Democrat candidate for Shear Brow ward caused a stir by defecting to Labour.[10]
In 2010, two For Darwen Party councillors resigned and withdrew their support for the coalition, and after a vote of no confidence the Labour Party regained control of the council.[11] In 2011 Labour gained control of the council.
| Parties | Seats | |
|---|---|---|
| Labour | 37 | |
| Conservative | 17 | |
| Liberal Democrat | 6 | |
| For Darwen | 3 | |
| Independent | 1 | |
| Total | 64 | |
Economy[link]
This is a chart of trend of regional gross value added of Blackburn with Darwen at current basic prices published (pp. 240–253) by Office for National Statistics with figures in millions of British Pounds Sterling.
| Year | Regional Gross Value Added[12] | Agriculture[13] | Industry[14] | Services[15] |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 1,496 | 3 | 755 | 737 |
| 2000 | 1,597 | 3 | 678 | 916 |
| 2003 | 1,785 | 4 | 647 | 1,134 |
Neighbouring districts and political control[link]
The authority borders with boroughs administered as within the Greater Manchester and Lancashire upper-tier local authorities: Chorley in the west and then (clockwise) South Ribble, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn and Rossendale in Lancashire; Bury and Bolton in Greater Manchester.
| The local government districts which surround Blackburn with Darwen | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| South Ribble Conservative |
Ribble Valley Conservative |
Hyndburn Conservative |
|
| Chorley Conservative |
Blackburn with Darwen | ||
| Rossendale Conservative |
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| Bury Conservative |
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| Bolton NOC |
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See also[link]
References[link]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Borough of Blackburn with Darwen |
- ^ Neighbourhood Statistics. "Neighbourhood Statistics". Neighbourhood Statistics. http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=276819&c=Blackburn+with+Darwen&d=13&e=13&g=388684&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1203012766825&enc=1&dsFamilyId=1812. Retrieved 2012-05-07.
- ^ a b WE QUIT! Six labour councillors leave, Lancashire Evening Telegraph, 16 June 2004.
- ^ Labour councillors ditching party, BBC News, 16 June 2004
- ^ a b Straw's seat is a hot-spot of postal vote fraud claims, Anne Penketh, The Independent, 4 May 2005
- ^ Voting open to 'childishly simple' fraud, says watchdog, Andrew Sparrow, The Guardian, 22 January 2008
- ^ Vote-rigging Crackdown, Lancashire Telegraph, 24 January 2007. Retrieved 31 January 2007.
- ^ Benefit fraud councillor 'should quit now', Tom Moseley, Lancashire Telegraph, 17 November 2008
- ^ Lib Dem councillor suspended by his party, Tom Moseley, Lancashire Telegraph, 25 March 2008
- ^ Burning issue: Immigration, The Sun, 18 October 2007
- ^ Election in turmoil as LibDem candidate says: I'm a Labour supporter, Tom Moseley, Lancashire Telegraph, 9 April 2008
- ^ Labour back in control of Blackburn with Darwen, David Watkinson, Lancashire Telegraph, 14 September 2010
- ^ Components may not sum to totals due to rounding
- ^ includes hunting and forestry
- ^ includes energy and construction
- ^ includes financial intermediation services indirectly measured
External links[link]
- Blackburn with Darwen Council
- BlackburnWorld : the internet portal for Blackburn with Darwen
- Blackburn Muslim Association : Serving the community
- Blackburn Business Net : News and Events for Blackburn with Darwen Businesses
Council political parties[link]
- Blackburn Conservative Association
- For Darwen Party
- Blackburn Labour Party
- Blackburn with Darwen Liberal Democrats
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For other uses, see Blackburn (disambiguation).
Coordinates: 53°44′42″N 2°28′37″W / 53.7449°N 2.4769°W / 53.7449; -2.4769
| Blackburn | |
 Skyline of Blackburn Town Centre |
|
 Blackburn
Blackburn shown within Lancashire |
|
| Population | 105,085 [1] |
|---|---|
| - Density | 11,114 /sq mi (4,291 /km2)[1] |
| OS grid reference | SD685277 |
| - London | 184 mi (296 km) SSE |
| Unitary authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Ceremonial county | Lancashire |
| Region | North West |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | BLACKBURN |
| Postcode district | BB1 – BB2 |
| Dialling code | 01254 |
| Police | Lancashire |
| Fire | Lancashire |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament | Blackburn |
| List of places: UK • England • Lancashire | |
Blackburn ( pronounced /ˈblækbɜrn/) (help·info)) is a large town in Lancashire, England. It lies to the north of the West Pennine Moors on the southern edge of the Ribble Valley, 9 miles (14 km) east of the city of Preston, 27 miles (43 km) north-northwest of the city of Manchester.[2] and is 13 miles (21 km) north of the border with Greater Manchester. Blackburn is bounded to the south by Darwen, with which it forms the unitary authority area of Blackburn with Darwen, Blackburn being the administrative centre. At the time of the UK Government's 2001 census, Blackburn had a population of 105,085,[1] whilst the wider borough of Blackburn with Darwen had a population of 140,700.[3]
A former mill town, textiles have been produced in Blackburn since the middle of the 13th century, when wool was woven in people's houses in the domestic system. Flemish weavers who settled in the area during the 14th century helped to develop the woollen cottage industry in the region.[4] James Hargreaves, inventor of the spinning jenny, was a weaver in Blackburn.[5] The most rapid period of growth and development in Blackburn's history coincided with the industrialisation and expansion of textile manufacturing. Blackburn was a boomtown of the Industrial Revolution, and amongst the first industrialised towns in the world.
Blackburn's textile sector fell into a terminal decline from the mid-20th century. Blackburn has subsequently faced similar challenges to other post-industrial northern towns, including deindustrialisation, economic deprivation and housing issues. Since the 1950s the town has experienced significant levels of migration, particularly from India and Pakistan, and consequently has the third highest proportion of Muslims (c.25%) in England and Wales and the highest in the United Kingdom outside London. Blackburn has had significant investment and redevelopment in the past 60 years through government funding and the European Regional Development Fund.[6]
Contents |
History[link]
Toponymy[link]
The name of the town first appears as Blacheborne, in the Domesday Book compiled from a survey completed in 1086. The origins of the name are uncertain. It has been suggested that it may be a combination of an Old English word for bleach, together with a form of the word "burn", meaning stream, and may be associated with a bleaching process. Alternatively, the name of the town may simply mean "black burn", or "black stream".[7][8][9]
Prehistory[link]
There is little evidence of prehistoric settlement in the Blakewater valley, in which Blackburn later developed. It is generally thought that most human activity in East Lancashire during this period occurred on hilltops.[citation needed] Evidence of such activity during the Bronze Age has been discovered in the form of urn burials, two examples of which have been found in the hills around Blackburn. In 1879, a cinerary urn was discovered beneath a tumulus at Revidge, north of the town. Another was excavated at Pleasington Cemetery, west of the present town, by gravedigger Grant Higson in 1996.[10] The presence of a possible sacred spring—perhaps in use during the Iron Age—provides evidence of prehistoric man's activity in the area now occupied by the town centre, at All Hallows Spring on Railway Road.[11]
Roman era[link]
Blackburn stands at the site where a Roman military road crossed the river Blakewater. The road linked Bremetennacum Veteranorum (the modern-day village of Ribchester) and Mamucium (a Roman fort which was located in what is now the Castlefield area of the City of Manchester). The route of the Roman road passed to the east of the site of Blackburn's modern-day cathedral and probably crossed the river at Salford (just east of the modern-day town centre). However, it is not clear whether the Roman road or the settlement came first.[8][12]
George C. Miller in his Blackburn – the Evolution of a Cotton Town says:
The ancient military way from Mamucium (Manchester) to (Bremetennacum) (Ribchester), passing over Blacksnape, plunges on its unswerving course through Blackamoor, over the scarp at Whinney Heights, to pass across the Blakewater in the vicinity of Salford. This fact alone presents a reasonable argument for the existence of a British oppidum or walled village on the site, it being customary for such primitive communities to cluster in the vicinity of a ford or bridge.[13]
All Hallows Spring was purportedly excavated in 1654 and was found to contain an inscribed stone, allegedly commemorating the dedication of a temple of Serapis by Claudius Hieronymus, legate of Legio VI Victrix.[12][14]
Middle Ages[link]
Christianity is believed to have come to Blackburn at the end of the 6th century, perhaps in 596 (there is a record of a "church of Blagbourne" in that year) or 598 AD.[15][16][17] The town was certainly important during the Anglo-Saxon era. It was during this period that Blackburnshire Hundred came into existence, probably as a territorial division of the kingdom of Northumbria.[17]
The name of the town first appears in the Domesday Book as Blachebourne, a royal manor during the days of Edward the Confessor and William the Conqueror. Archaeological evidence gleaned during the demolition of the medieval parish church on the site of the present cathedral in 1820 suggests that a church was built during the late 11th or early 12th century.[17] A market cross was also erected nearby in 1101.[18] The manor came into the possession of Henry de Blackburn, who divided it between his two sons. Later, one half was granted to the monks of Stanlow Abbey. This moiety was later granted to the monks of Whalley Abbey. However, during the 12th century, the town's conjectured importance declined as Clitheroe became the regional centre.[17] In addition to the settlement in the town centre area, there were several other medieval domiciles nearby.
Industrial Revolution and textiles[link]
Textile manufacturing in Blackburn dates from the middle of the 13th century, when wool produced by local farmers was woven by local people in their homes. Flemish weavers who settled in the area in the 14th century helped to develop the industry. By 1650 the town was known for the manufacture of "Blackburn checks", blue and white in colour, with "Blackburn greys" becoming famous not long afterwards.[4] By the first half of the 18th century textile manufacture had become Blackburn's main industry.[19] From the mid-18th to the early 20th century Blackburn evolved from a small market town into "the weaving capital of the world", with the population increasing from less than 5,000 to over 130,000.[20]
John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles provides a profile of Blackburn in 1887:
Blackburn. parl. and mun. bor., par. and township, NE. Lancashire, 9 miles (14 km) [14 km] E. of Preston and 210 miles (340 km) [340 km] NW. of London by rail – par., 48,281 ac., pop. 161,617; township, 3681 ac., pop. 91,958; bor., 6974 ac., pop. 104,014; 4 Banks, 2 newspapers. Market-days, Wednesday and Saturday. It is one of the chief seats of cotton manufacture, besides producing calico, muslin, &c., there being over 140 mills at work. There are also factories for making cotton machinery and steam-engines. B. has been associated with many improvements in the mfr. of cotton, among which was the invention (1767) of the "spinning jenny" which was invented in nearby Oswaldtwistle by James Hargreaves, who died in 1770. There are several fine churches and public buildings. A Corporation Park (50 ac. in area) is on the outskirts of the town. Several lines of railway converge here, and pass through one principal station belonging to the Lancashire and Yorkshire Ry. Co. B. returns 2 members to Parliament.[21]
From around 1750, cotton textile manufacturing expanded rapidly in Blackburn. Supplied with cotton by the town's cotton merchants, and paid by the piece, cottagers had spun the cotton into thread and woven it into cloth. The merchants had then arranged for the cloth to be bleached and dyed. After 1775 however, spinning mills began to appear in the town. Though early examples were warehouse conversions, the first purpose-built spinning mill was constructed in 1797, and By 1824 there were 24 . The number of spindles in Blackburn reached 2.5 million by 1870, with spinning mills still being constructed up to that time – 24 since 1850. Spinning declined in the town between 1870 and 1900 as the sector transferred to South Lancashire.[22]
In 18th century Blackburn, weaving was primarily undertaken by handloom weavers working from their own cottages. However, as powerlooms began to be introduced into local mills from 1825, the percentage of the workforce employed as handloom weavers began to decline. This occurred more rapidly in areas closer to the centre of Blackburn, with handloom weavers continuing to make up a sizeable portion of the workforce in outlying rural areas. Nevertheless, the last handloom shop in Blackburn closed in 1894.[23] Improvements to the powerloom in the early 1840s, together with the construction of the first railway line into Blackburn in 1846, led to much greater investment in powerlooms in the town in the second half of that decade. The railway brought opportunities for expansion of the cotton trade, with subsequent decades seeing many new mills constructed:[24] 68 weaving-only and 4 combined weaving and spinning mills were built between 1850 and 1870, and 9 weaving mills were built per decade between 1870 and 1890.[25]
File:Mill Chimney, Blackburn, UK.jpg
Duke Street Mill being destroyed
Improvements in powerloom efficiency meant that weaving, which had been the primary source of wealth and income for handloom weavers, began to transfer from the cottage to the factory.[26] This led to high rates of unemployment: according to figures published in March 1826, some 60% of all handloom weavers in Blackburn and nearby Rishton, Lower Darwen and Oswaldtwistle were unemployed.[27] High unemployment in turn led to the Lancashire weavers' riots. At 3:00 pm on 24 April 1826 a mob arrived in Blackburn after attacking powerlooms in nearby Accrington. Proceeding to Bannister Eccles' Jubilee Factory on Jubilee St in the town centre, the mob destroyed 212 powerlooms in the space of 35 minutes. They then turned their attention to John Houghton and Sons' Park Place factory, located nearby, and destroyed another 25 looms, before continuing on in search of more machinery to attack. The crowd began to disperse at around 6:00 pm, troops having arrived as early as 3:30 pm to try to quell the rioting.[28]
Decline of the cotton industry[link]
In 1890, Blackburn's Chamber of Commerce recognised that the town was over-dependent on the cotton industry, warning of the dangers of "only having one string to their bow in Blackburn".[29] The warning proved to be prophetic when, in 1904, a serious slump hit the cotton industry, and other industries dependent on it such as engineering, brewing and building.[30] A few years later, in 1908, another slump saw 43 mills stop production and a quarter of the town's looms idle.[31]
Suspension of trade with India during the First World War resulted in the expansion of India's cotton industry at the expense of Britain's,[33] and the imposition of an 11% import tariff by the Indian Government led to a dramatic slump in 1921; a situation which worsened in 1922 after the Indian Government raised the tariff to 14%, which led the number of stopped mills to increase to 47, with 43,000 looms idle.[34] Two years into the slump, the Foundry and Limbrick mills became the first in the town to close permanently.[33] Not long afterwards, in 1926, the General Strike saw production suspended at half of the town's mills and 12,000 unemployed.[33] There was another slump in 1928, and then another strike in 1929 after employers requested a 12% wage cut; 40,000 cotton workers went on strike for a week and eight more mills closed, making it 28 closures in six years.[33] By the start of 1930, 50 mills had shut down and 21,000 people were unemployed.[33] A sharp financial crisis late in 1931 led to 24,000 unemployed, with 1,000 houses and 166 shops lying empty in the town.[35] A total of 26 mills closed down between 1930 and 1934.[33]
The industry experienced a short post-war boom between 1948 and 50, during which sales increased, industry training methods improved, and new automatic looms were introduced; allowing a single weaver to control 20 to 25 looms. Loom sheds were often rebuilt using new building techniques to make them more open-plan so that they could house the new, larger looms.[36] Despite the post-war boom, the cotton industry continued to decline, and only 25% of the town's population were employed in textiles by 1951: it had been 60% up to the beginning of the Great Depression, in 1929.[37] Furthermore, in 1952 the number of weavers in the town fell from 10,890 to 9,020.[38] By 1955 more cloth was being imported from India than was being exported there,[38] and between 1955 and 1958 another 16 mills closed. In 1959, due partly to the re-organisation of the textile industry resulting from that year's Textiles Act, another 17 mills closed.[39] By 1960 there were 30 mills left operating in Blackburn.[40]
Closures continued in the 1960s with, for example, the Parkside, Fountains, Malvern and Pioneer Mills shutting in 1964.[41] In 1967 the Eclipse Mill at Feniscowles closed, unable to compete with imported cloth sold at nine pence cheaper per yard than the mill could produce it. By the end of that year there were 26 mills left operating in Blackburn.[42] The 1970s saw further closures, and the number of textile workers in Blackburn reduced to 6,000 by January 1975, the year in which the Albion and Alston mills also stopped production with the loss of a further 400 jobs.[32][43] The following statistic gives some idea of the rate of decline of Blackburn's cotton industry: in 1976 there were 2,100 looms still operating, from a peak of 79,405 in 1907.[44]
Immigration[link]
Since the first influx of Commonwealth immigrants to Britain in 1948, Blackburn has seen a significant number of immigrants settle in the town. Whalley Range in the north of the town was a popular destination for Asian immigrants, who now make up the majority of the district's population, in particular. Perhaps surprisingly, the town did not fall victim to any of the race riots which blighted parts of Northern England, including nearby Oldham and Burnley, over the summer of 2001.[45]
Governance[link]
- This section describes the organisation of government in the area. For information on party politics and local issues see the section on politics below
Blackburn is administered by Blackburn with Darwen unitary authority, which encompasses Blackburn and the small town of Darwen to the south. The town sends one Member of Parliament (MP) to the House of Commons.
Local government[link]
Main articles: Blackburn with Darwen and Blackburn with Darwen local elections
The council has been elected "by thirds" since 1996, with one councillor from each of the three-member wards being elected every year; those representing 2-member wards are elected in alternative years. Every four years there is a year with no elections, In its 2007 Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA), the Audit Commission described the council as "improving well" and gave it the highest "four star" overall performance rating.[46]
Although children’s services, adult social care and GCSE results were praised, the commission did highlight "significant health problems" and increased "levels of repeat victims of domestic violence" as causes for concern.[46] Despite generally good performance, overall user satisfaction levels with the council are below average and not improving.[46] The borough was awarded Beacon Council status and shares its best practice in education policy with other councils as part of the scheme.[citation needed]
Parliamentary representation[link]
The historic constituency of Blackburn was created for the 1832 general election and sent two MPs to Westminster. It was abolished in 1950 and replaced for one parliamentary term by two new single-member constituencies, Blackburn East and Blackburn West. At the 1955 general election, Blackburn East and Blackburn West were merged into the modern-day constituency, returning a single MP.
Coat of arms[link]
The coat of arms of the former Blackburn Borough Council has many distinctive emblems.[47] The blazon of the arms is: Argent a Fesse wavy Sable between three Bees volant proper on a Chief Vert a Bugle stringed Argent between two Fusils Or. On the crest, a Wreath of the Colours a Shuttle Or thereon a Dove wings elevated Argent and holding in the beak the Thread of the Shuttle reflexed over the back and an Olive Branch proper. The Latin motto of the town is Arte et Labore, correctly translated as "by art and by labour" but often translated as "by skill and hardwork".
The motto, granted on 14 February 1852 to the former Borough of Blackburn, is poignant as Blackburn, once a small town, had risen to importance through the energy and enterprise of her spinners and manufacturers, combined with the skill and labour of her operatives. The Borough of Blackburn was formed by the amalgamation of the County Borough of Blackburn, the Borough of Darwen, part of the Turton Urban District and the parishes of Yate and Pickup Bank, Eccleshill, Livesey, Pleasington and Tockholes from the Blackburn Rural District.[citation needed]
Politics[link]
Blackburn council and its successor have been predominantly controlled by the Labour Party since 1945 and continuously for 19 years until May 2007 when it fell into no overall control.[48][49] UKPollingReport characterises the constituency of Blackburn as "a mix of deprived inner-city wards dominated by Muslim voters, white working class areas and Conservative voting suburbs".[50] The sitting MP is former Secretary of State for Justice and former Foreign Secretary, Jack Straw. Previous MPs for Blackburn include former Labour cabinet minister Barbara Castle, who represented the town in Westminster from 1945 to 1979.[citation needed]
Far right[link]
In the 1970s Blackburn experienced its first significant wave of Asian immigration, and became a focus for far-right politics. In 1976, two National Party councillors were briefly elected, including John Kingsley Read. The next resurgence of support for the far right came after 2000. Around 20% of Blackburn's population come from ethnic minorities and in recent years the town has witnessed a resurgence in the fortunes of far-right political parties in local elections.
The council until recently had two members for the England First party, Mark Cotterill for Meadowhead ward and Michael Johnson for Fernhurst. Mark Cotterill has since stood down and Michael Johnson joined the For Darwen party. Members of the BNP have previously won a council seat in the town in November 2002 following elections in May which saw three of their colleagues elected in nearby Burnley. The BNP's Robin Evans secured a 16-vote majority in Mill Hill ward with two recounts following a campaign using pub meetings and leafleting.[51]
The incumbent Liberal Democrats were pushed into third place behind Labour. Although the plans had been blocked by the time of the poll, proposals to convert a nursing home in the ward into a centre for asylum seekers were seen as a key election issue.[52] Developments in Burnley and Blackburn were regarded as something of a renaissance for the far right in British politics; no such councillors had been elected in the UK since victories in Tower Hamlets nearly ten years before.[53]
Commenting on the elections, Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "It is very sad. We had the far right in Blackburn 26 years ago when they won two seats in Shadsworth. But there the whole community decided they wouldn't have it. You can never say they won't put candidates in Blackburn but we will work hard on community relations."[54] Blackburn had two council members from the National Party in the 1970s. Although some towns in the North of England suffered race riots in the summer of 2001, the streets of Blackburn remained quiet.[citation needed]
Other political events[link]
In October 2006, comments made by Jack Straw angered some in the Muslim community. Writing in the Lancashire Telegraph, the MP said that Muslim women who wear full veils make "better, positive relations" between communities more difficult and that failing to show the mouth and nose was "a visible statement of separation and of difference."[55][56] Jack Straw apologised for these comments regarding the veil on Sunday, 26 April 2010 at a private hustings organised by Engage in the build up to the 2010 Elections.[57]
Geography[link]
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At 53°44′41″N 2°28′37″W / 53.74472°N 2.47694°W / 53.74472; -2.47694 (53.7449°, −2.4769°), and 184 miles (296 km) north-northwest of London, Blackburn stands 401 feet (122 m) above sea level, 8.9 miles (14.3 km) east of Preston and 21 miles (34 km) north-northeast of Manchester. The Ribble Valley and West Pennine Moors lie to the north and south respectively. Blackburn experiences a temperate maritime climate, like much of the British Isles, with relatively cool summers and mild winters. There is regular but generally light precipitation throughout the year.
Although the city of Preston, the administrative centre for Lancashire, is located about 9.2 miles (14.8 km) to the west, Blackburn is the largest municipality in what is known as East Lancashire. The town is bounded on other sides by smaller towns, including Accrington to the east and Darwen to the south.
Blackburn and Darwen together make up Blackburn with Darwen unitary authority. The village of Wilpshire, is 2.5 miles (4.0 km) north of Blackburn, and forms part of the Blackburn urban area, although it is in the Ribble Valley local government district. Other nearby villages are Langho, approximately 1.2 miles (1.9 km) further to the north-east, and Mellor to the north west of Blackburn.
The small towns of Rishton, to the east, and Great Harwood, to the north east, are both in the local government district of Hyndburn. 11 miles (18 km) further to the east[clarification needed] lies the town of Burnley.[58]
Geology and terrain[link]
Located in the midst of the East Lancashire Hills, some areas of the town are characterised by steep slopes. The town centre is located in a depression surrounded by a number of hills. The area of Revidge to the north can be reached via a steep climb up Montague Street and Dukes Brow to reach a peak of 715 feet (218 m) above sea level.[59]
To the west, the wooded Billinge Hill in Witton Country Park is 804 feet (245 m) high, while Royal Blackburn Hospital is situated to the east of the town at a vantage point of 663 feet (202 m).[59] These figures can be considered in the context of other hills and mountains in Lancashire, including Great Hill at 1,496 feet (456 m), Winter Hill at 1,496 feet (456 m), Pendle Hill at 1,827 feet (557 m) and Green Hill 2,060 feet (628 m).
The River Blakewater, which gives its names to the town, flows down from the moors above Guide and then through the areas of Whitebirk, Little Harwood, Cob Wall and Brookhouse to the town centre. The river was culverted during the industrial revolution and runs underground in the town centre, under Ainsworth Street and between Blackburn Cathedral and Blackburn Bus Station. On the western side of the town centre the Blakewater continues under Whalley Banks and through the Redlam area before joining the River Darwen outside Witton Country Park and continuing on to join the River Ribble at Walton-le-Dale.[citation needed]
The geology of the Blackburn area yields numerous resources which underpinned its development as a centre of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. Mineable coal seams have been used since the mid-late 16th century.[60] The Coal Measures in the area overlie the Millstone Grit which has been quarried in the past for millstones and, along with local limestone deposits, used as a construction material for roads and buildings. In addition, there were deposits of iron ore in the Furness and Ulverston districts.[61]
The Blackburn area was subjected to glaciation during the Pleistocene ice age, and the sandstone-and-shale bedrock is overlain in much of the area by glacial deposits called till (which is also called "boulder clay") of varying thickness up to several tens of feet. Glacial outwash (sand and gravel) also occur in small patches, including along Grimshaw Brook.[62][63][64]
Demography[link]
At the time of the UK Government's 2001 census, Blackburn, defined as an urban area, had a population of 105,085 and a population density of 11,114 /sq mi (4,291 /km2).[1] According to further statistics from the same census, this time defining Blackburn as a Westminster parliamentary constituency, the population was 69.22% White British (national average for England 89.99%) with significant Indian (14.31%) and Pakistani (11.45%) ethnic minorities.[65] 12.33% of the population was born outside the European Union.[66] In terms of religion, 57.53% of residents were Christian (average for England 71.74%), 25.74% Muslim (average for England 3.1%) and 15.98% no religion or not stated.[67]
With regard to the economic activity of those aged 16–74, the 2001 Census indicates that 33.93% were full-time employees (average for England 40.81%), 11.72% were part-time employees, 5.97% were self-employed (average for England 8.32%), and 4.5% were unemployed (average for England 3.35%).[68]
The 2001 census also records the social grade of the constituency's 72,418 people aged 16 and over: using the NRS social grades system, 10,748 were classed as AB (higher and intermediate managerial / administrative / professional), 17,514 as C1 (supervisory, clerical, junior managerial / administrative / professional), 11,691 as C2 (skilled manual workers), 19,212 as D (semi-skilled and unskilled manual workers), and 13,253 as E (on state benefit, unemployed, lowest grade workers).[69]
Economy[link]
The town centre is currently subject to a new multi-million pound investment, and Blackburn with Darwen Council have already made some refurbishments and renovations of key public places, notably the Church Street area with its Grade II listed[70] art deco Waterloo Pavilions complemented by street furniture and sculptures. The Mall Blackburn (formerly known as Blackburn Shopping Centre) is the main shopping centre in Blackburn with over 130 shops and 400 further outlets close by.[71] Blackburn Market opened in a new site under the shopping centre in June 2011[72] and now opens six days a week (Monday to Saturday) . The previous market was based on the other side of Ainsworth Street. It first opened on this site in 1964, where there were a 3-day market (Wednesday, Friday, Saturday) and the Market Hall (Monday-Saturday). The town centre was expanded by construction of the Grimshaw Park retail development (including Blackburn Arena) in the 1990s. The adjacent Townsmoor Retail Park and Peel Leisure and Retail Park are more recent developments.[citation needed]
One of the town's most well-known shops, the shoe store Tommy Ball's, closed in May 2008 after going into administration.[73] The town's oldest store, Mercer & Sons, also closed after a decline in sales blamed on the credit crunch. It opened in 1840 and was originally an ironmonger but the public store converted to selling toys, household goods and hardware. However in January 2009 the directors of the company announced that the shop would close following a 30-day statutory consultation, unless they change their mind or a buyer is found.[74] The company continue to operate their "trade only" outlet on Pump Street.[citation needed] The markets continue to offer a wide range of local produce—Lancashire cheeses, tripe, Bowland beef and lamb can all be found. Walsh's Sarsaparilla stall decided not to move into the new market development. The market moved into the Mall shopping centre in 2011, and now opens six days a week.[75]
Major employers in Blackburn include: BAE Systems (Samlesbury Aerodrome site, located at Balderstone, northwest of Blackburn); Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council; and the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (based at the Royal Blackburn Hospital).[citation needed]
The town centre is home to a good number of high street multiples, including: Marks and Spencer, WHSmith, New Look, Next, Claire's, Subway, Specsavers, The Perfume Shop, The Body Shop, Costa Coffee, Shoe Zone, Ladbrokes, Sports Direct, Holland & Barrett, Card Factory, Optical Express, Poundworld, Vision Express, Boots, Superdrug, H Samuel, Cash Generator, Boots Opticians, Topshop, Topman, River Island, HMV, Toymaster, Phones 4U, Debenhams, McDonald's, Topshop, Burton, The Carphone Warehouse, Dorothy Perkins, Primark, H&M, Ernest Jones, Argos, Clarks, JD Sports, JJB, Tesco Metro and 2 Greggs.
A new market opened on 1 June 2011, under the new shopping centre extension.
On the edge of the town centre, a few retail parks have stores including: B&Q Extra, Asda, Argos Extra, Next, Matalan, VUE & Bowlplex, T.K. Maxx, Boots, Mothercare, JYSK, Maplin Electronics, Pets at Home, Carpetright, Blockbuster, The Carphone Warehouse, Staples, Halfords, Comet and B&M Bargains.
A trade park, Drumstone Trade Park near the town centre, has trade outlets; Screwfix, Electric Centre, Tile Giant, Crown Decorating Centre and Topps Tiles.
Numerous business parks exist in and around the town. The recently refurbished Blackburn Business Centre is home to a number of local firms, including TP Properties who sponsor local swimmer Niamh Robinson.[76]
Transport[link]
The Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through Blackburn from Feniscowles in the SW to Whitebirk in the NE, skirting the town centre to the east of Blackburn railway station. This important early industrial artery arrived in the town in 1810 and became the chief focus for industrial growth in the 19th century, with raw cotton imported via Liverpool. While it suffered neglect in the wake of the area's industrial decline, the Blackburn stretch has benefited from a number of regeneration projects since the 1990s. British Waterways residential moorings are to be found at Finnington Lane Bridge on the western edge of the Borough.
The M65 motorway passes to the south of Blackburn. It runs from Colne, about 17 miles (27.4 km) north-east of Blackburn, to a point close to the village of Lostock Hall near Preston, about 12 miles (19.3 km) to the west. Junction six of the motorway is located at the eastern edge of Blackburn, near the Intack area; junctions five and four are located to the south, near the village of Guide and the Lower Darwen area respectively; and junction three is located at the south-western edge of the town, close to the Feniscowles area. The M65 links Blackburn to the national motorway network, connecting to junction nine of the M61 and junction 29 of the M6.
Other major roads in and around Blackburn include the A666 and the A677. The A666 runs from the A59 near the village of Langho, approximately 3.7 miles (6.0 km) to the north-west of Blackburn. It passes through the town centre and continues south through the towns of Darwen and Bolton then south-west to the town of Pendlebury, near Manchester, where the road joins the A6. The A677 runs from the east part of Blackburn, about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the centre. It passes through the centre of the town and continues to the western outskirts. It then heads north-west to the village of Mellor Brook before continuing west again towards the city of Preston. It joins the A59 about 5.5 miles (8.9 km) west of Blackburn, approximately halfway between Blackburn and Preston.
Blackburn's newly redeveloped railway station is in the town centre, and is served by Northern Rail. The nearest railway station on the West Coast Main Line is in Preston. Blackburn's Boulevard bus station is situated outside the rail station. Blackpool International Airport, about 23 miles (37 km) to the west, is Blackburn's nearest airport.[77] Manchester Airport, the busiest airport in the UK outside London,[78] is about 28 miles (45 km) to the southeast of the town.[77]
Landmarks[link]
Cathedral[link]
Main article: Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral was formerly Saint Mary's Parish Church. St Mary's was consecrated in 1826, by which time it is believed there had already been a church on the site for several hundred years. In 1926 the Diocese of Blackburn was created and the church gained cathedral status.[79] Blackburn was selected above other locations for the 'new wave' of Archbishop Temple's cathedrals because of its then excellent public transport infrastructure – the cathedral stands next to the bus and railway station, both now comparatively reduced. Between the 1930s and 1960s an enlarged cathedral was built using the existing building as the nave.[80] Six of the cathedral's bells were cast in 1737 and are claimed to have been cast from even older bells.[81] An image of the cathedral is used behind BBC interviews held in Blackburn, which are filmed at BBC Radio Lancashire on Darwen Street, opposite the cathedral.[citation needed]
Ewood Park[link]
Main article: Ewood Park
Ewood Park stadium has been the home of Blackburn Rovers football club since they moved there from Leamington Road in 1890. The ground was officially opened on 13 September that year.[82] Work on the current, redeveloped, all-seater stadium got underway in February 1993 when the old Darwen End stand was demolished. This stand, together with the old Blackburn End stand, was then redeveloped before the Nuttall Street stand was also demolished ready for redevelopment in January 1994. Almost two years later, on 18 November 1995, the newly redeveloped Ewood Park was officially opened.[83] With a capacity of 31,367,[84] the facility comprises four sections: the Darwen End, Riverside Stand (named as such because it stands practically on the banks of the River Darwen), Blackburn End, and Jack Walker Stand, which is named after Blackburn industrialist and club supporter, Jack Walker. The stadium also houses conference and banqueting facilities.[85]
Queen Victoria's statue[link]
Blackburn's statue of Queen Victoria is located next to the cathedral grounds overlooking the bus station. Victoria's fourth daughter, Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, unveiled the statue on 30 September 1905. It was sculpted by Australian sculptor Sir Bertram McKennal out of white Sicilian marble and stands on a grey granite plinth.[86] The statue is 11 feet (3.4 m) high and weighs 9 long tons (9.1 t), while the plinth is 14 feet (4.3 m) high and weighs 30 long tons (30.5 t).[87]
Town hall[link]
The construction of Blackburn's original, Italian renaissance style town hall was completed in 1856 at a cost of £35,000,[88] equivalent to about £1.5 million as at 2008.[89] The architect was James Paterson and the contractors were Richard Hacking and William Stones. It originally housed a police station with 18 cells, a large assembly room, and a council chamber.[90] A tower block extension was constructed in 1969 at a cost of £650,000, equal to about £6.6 million as at 2008.[89] The tower block is not strictly an extension to the earlier building: the two buildings are connected only by an elevated, enclosed footbridge. The tower block was 198 feet (60 m) high and the top was 545 feet (166 m) 9 inches (23 cm) above sea-level when built,[91] although it has since been re-clad and these figures may have altered slightly.
File:Technical School Building Blackburn Lancashire.jpg
Blackburn's 19th-century Technical School
Technical school[link]
The foundation stone of the Technical School building was laid on 9 May 1888 by the Prince and Princess of Wales; the building was completed towards the end of 1894. It is built in the Northern Renaissance style and has a slate roof, an attic, a basement, and two intermediate storeys. Made mainly of red brick and yellow terracotta, it is profusely decorated and features ornate gables, a round arched entrance with angle turrets and balcony above, and a frieze below the top storey with panels depicting art and craft skills. The Technical School is a grade II listed building and is now part of Blackburn College.[92][93][94]
Other landmarks[link]
File:King-Georges-Hall.jpg
King George's Hall, Blackburn
The Wainwright bridge was opened in June 2008.[95] The £12 million bowstring arch bridge crosses the East Lancashire and Ribble Valley railway lines west of the town centre and forms part of the A6078 Town Centre Orbital Route. The bridge is named after Alfred Wainwright following a vote by the townspeople.[96][97] Blackburn Arena, which houses an ice rink and is home to the Blackburn Hawks ice hockey team, opened in 1991.
Blackburn railway station features a 24 foot (7.3 m) mural by Ormskirk-based contemporary artist Stephen Charnock. It depicts eight famous faces associated with the town, including Mohandas Gandhi, who visited nearby Darwen in 1931. The station was renovated in 2000. BBC Radio Lancashire has its studios on Darwen Street in the town centre. Thwaites Brewery, which produces cask ale, has had a position in the centre of the town since 1870. There is also King George's Hall, which is an arts and entertainment centre, and Thwaites Empire Theatre. A section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal runs through the town.
Parks[link]
Corporation Park, to the northwest of the town centre, was built on 50 acres (0.20 km2) of land purchased from Joseph Feilden, lord of the manor, for £50 per 1 acre (0.40 ha) in 1855. The park officially opened on 22 October 1857, with shops and mills closing for the day, church bells ringing, and flags flying from public buildings. Railway companies claimed 14,000 people travelled to the town for the opening.[99] A conservatory was opened in the park on 16 May 1900.[98]
The town's Queen's Park was opened in June 1887 having been laid out at a cost of £10,000 on land acquired by Blackburn Corporation from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners in 1882. It originally had two bowling greens, two tennis courts, a lake of over 3 acres (1.2 ha), a children's paddling pool, a bandstand, and a refreshment room. Two additional bowling greens and a pavilion were added in 1932.[100]
Witton Country Park is a 480 acres (1.9 km2) space to the west of the town. The land was purchased in 1946 and was the ancestral home of the Feilden family. It is the home of Blackburn Harriers and Athletic Club. It is larger than all the town's other parks and playing fields put together.[101]
Roe Lee Park, in the north of the town, was opened on Wednesday 30 May 1923 and was intended to commemorate the visit of George V. It was originally a 16 acres (6.5 ha) site with five tennis courts and three bowling greens.[101] The borough council's website describes the park as a 17 acres (6.9 ha) "urban fringe park with bowling greens, kick around area and children's playground".[102] In 2007, all four parks described above were winners of Green Flag Awards.[103]
Libraries[link]
Blackburn Central Library is located in the town centre, close to the town hall, and is described as "the seventh most visited library in England."[104] The library has various sections and facilities, including: an information and reference section, a media section, a community history section, a children's library, and a creche. An ICT training suite at the library has been named the "Bill Gates Room".[105] Blackburn has smaller libraries serving the Mill Hill, Livesey and Roman Road parts of the town, as well as a mobile library service.[106]
Education[link]
Secondary education in Blackburn is provided by eight state schools.[107] Private schools in the town include Westholme School, Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School and a few Islamic schools. The town also has a few special schools. The two further education colleges in the town are Blackburn College and the sixth-form St. Mary's College. The town does not have a university, however some higher education courses are provided by the East Lancashire Institute of Higher Education, part of Blackburn College.[citation needed]
Over £25 million is currently being invested in education initiatives in Blackburn with Darwen, including new schools, city learning centres and children's centres. Over 11,000 adults are in some form of educational programme.[108] Blackburn with Darwen council has twice had Beacon Status for education in the "Fostering School Improvement" and "Transforming the School Workforce" categories.[108] 51.3% of pupils achieve grades A*-C in Blackburn with Darwen compared with 56.5% nationally.[109] The average GCE/VCE A/AS and Equivalent Point Score per Student is 649.7 compared with 716.7 nationally.[109]
In 2005, Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School became the first Muslim state school in the North West. It had previously been an independent school.[110] The school has been a success in school league tables, with 82% of pupils gaining five or more GCSEs at grade C or above in 2007, compared to the national average of 46.7%.[111] Although the town's ethnic minority population is below 25%, in some schools the vast majority of pupils are from the ethnic minority population, whilst other schools are almost entirely white. This segregation has been identified as a problem for racial integration within the town.[112]
Independent school sector is represented in the town by Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School (QEGS) and Westholme School. East Lancashire Institute of Higher Education (ELIHE) is for degree students over the age of 18. St Thomas's and Sunnyhurst Pupil Referral Unit educates children who are unable to attend mainstream school for health reasons or other difficulties.[113]
Sports[link]
Blackburn Rovers and football[link]
Main article: Blackburn Rovers F.C.
Premier League Football side Blackburn Rovers is based at the Ewood Park stadium. The club was established in 1875, and in 1888 became a founder member of The Football League. In 1890 Rovers moved to its permanent home at Ewood Park. Until the formation of the Premier League in 1992, the majority of Blackburn Rovers' success was pre-1930 when they won the league twice and FA Cup six times.[114] Blackburn has had a particular strong history of football. Rovers were not the town's only side in the 19th century; rivals included Blackburn Olympic F.C. (1883 winners of the FA Cup) and Blackburn Park Road F.C., among others.
In January 1991 Jack Walker, a life-long supporter who had built a business from humble beginnings in Blackburn, eventually making millions in the steel industry, took control of the club.[115] He lured former Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish as manager and a number of player purchases followed, helping the club to gain promotion back into the first division just before it became the FA Premier League at the end of the 1991–1992 season.[116] Blackburn is one of only a handful of clubs to be founders of both the Football League and the Premier League. In the summer of 1992 the club set a new British transfer record with the purchase of Alan Shearer for £3.3 million.[117]
After finishing runners-up to arch rivals Manchester United in 1993–1994, Rovers won the championship the following year.[118] A slump followed in the late 1990s and Blackburn were relegated to League Division One. But in 2001 the team secured promotion back into the Premier League, and they won the League Cup in 2002.[119] They have a rivalry with fellow Lancashire club Burnley, located just eleven miles (18 km) east, known as the East Lancashire derby or "Cotton Mills derby" because of the two communities' history as major centres of the cotton industry during the Industrial Revolution. Due to Burnley's absence in top flight over the last three decades, Blackburn has also formed rivalries with other regional Premier League clubs, especially Bolton Wanderers, Manchester United and Manchester City, all located in the nearby Greater Manchester area.
Ice hockey[link]
Blackburn has an Olympic-sized ice rink housed at the 3,200-seat Blackburn Arena. The arena is the home of the Blackburn Hawks and Lancashire Raptors ice hockey teams, both of which play in the English National Ice Hockey League.
Cultural references[link]
Blackburn is mentioned in The Beatles song "A Day in the Life". An article in the Daily Mail about a plan to fill potholes in the town caught John Lennon's eye as he was writing the song, giving birth to the lyric "I read the news today, oh boy / 4,000 holes in Blackburn, Lancashire / And though the holes were rather small / They had to count them all / Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall."[120] The title of the unofficial fanzine of the town's football club, Blackburn Rovers, is 4,000 Holes.[121]
The 2005 British film Love + Hate, directed by Dominic Savage, was shot in Blackburn.[122][123]
Notable people[link]
People involved in the arts and born in the town include the actress Kathleen Harrison in 1892;[124] Alfred Wainwright, author of the Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells, in 1907; broadcaster Russell Harty in 1934; the internationally renowned Contemporary artist Ross Eccles in 1937, many of his paintings feature Blackburn and Lancashire scenes and landmarks; the writer Josephine Cox in 1941 who set many of her novels in Lancashire; the actor Anthony Valentine in 1939; the actor Michael Billington, star of UFO in 1941; actor Ian McShane in 1942;[125] rock musician Tony Ashton in 1946; actor Jon Walmsley in 1956; film maker Michael Winterbottom in 1961;[126] actor Steve Pemberton in 1967;[127] actress Wendi Peters in 1968; actor/comedian Lee Mack in 1968; television host Debbie Travis; author Tony O'Neill in 1978; television presenter and documentary director Michael Gibson in 1980; and singer and actress Diana Vickers in 1991.[128]
Kathleen Ferrier, the internationally acclaimed contralto, was born near Blackburn in 1912. The family moved into the town, where she was educated and worked as a telephone operator until her marriage in 1935.
Notable sports personalities born in Blackburn include: rock climber John Sumner in 1936;[129] and England rugby union players Will Greenwood in 1972 and Iain Balshaw in 1979. Additionally the motor racing engine designer Keith Duckworth was born here in 1933 and the most successful motorcycle World Superbike champion of all time, Carl Fogarty (Foggy) was born here in 1965.
Jack Walker, steel baron and one time owner of local steel company Walkersteel, was born in the town in 1929 and lived locally until he moved to the Channel Islands in 1974. A lifelong supporter of the town's football club Blackburn Rovers, he owned the club for nearly 10 years until his death in August 2000. His wealth saw the club return to the top flight of English football in 1992 after 26 years away, and after buying some of the most expensive and talented footballers in the English game at the time, he oversaw their FA Premier League title triumph in 1995 - the club's first top division title since 1914.[130]
In the political arena, William Henry Hornby, a leading industrialist, the first mayor of Blackburn, and Chairman of the Conservative Party was born in the town in 1805. John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn, OM, PC, Liberal statesman, writer and newspaper editor was born in the town in 1838. The town is also closely linked to Barbara Castle who was an MP in Blackburn for 34 years (1945–1979) as well as holding the positions of Secretary of State for Employment and Productivity, First Secretary of State and Secretary of State for Social Services during the Labour governments of the sixties and seventies.
Gandhi once paid a visit during his campaign to boycott British textiles, the main purpose of which was to talk to the British people most affected by it. The local workers famously showed him solidarity in his political struggles and he stayed overnight with a local poor cotton-weaving family living in neighbouring Darwen. His visit made a lasting impression and is celebrated in his inclusion with other famous 'Blackburn' faces depicted in a public artwork sited on the platform at Blackburn Railway Station.
Twin towns[link]
Péronne, Somme, France
Altena, Germany
References[link]
Notes[link]
- ^ a b c d "KS01 Usual resident population: Census 2001, Key Statistics for urban areas". National Statistics. Office for National Statistics. http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=8271&Pos=2&ColRank=1&Rank=224. Retrieved 2008-07-09.
- ^ "Authorities: AGMA Policy and Research Unit". Association of Greater Manchester Authorities. http://www.agma.gov.uk/authorities/index.html. Retrieved 11 May 2010.
- ^ Census 2001: Blackburn with Darwen Local Authority, Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 28 March 2008.
- ^ a b Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1960), p. 8.
- ^ Abram (1990), p. 204.
- ^ European regional development funding, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Retrieved on 17 April 2008
- ^ Miller (1992), p. 6.
- ^ a b Beattie (1992), p. 11.
- ^ Survey and making of Domesday The UK National Archives. Retrieved on 1 June 2008
- ^ "Rare Treasure Found". Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Newsquest Media Group. 1996-03-27. http://archive.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/1996/3/27/856314.html. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
- ^ "Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn: Historic Town Assessment Report" (PDF). Lancashire County Council. April 2005. p. 16.. http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/archaeologyandheritage/historictowns/BlackburnToFig4_LowRes.pdf. Retrieved 2008-03-03.
- ^ a b Lancashire County Council (2005), Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn, p. 16.
- ^ Miller [1952](1992), p. 4.
- ^ Site of All Hallows Spring-Holy well, Archaeology Data Service. Retrieved on 31 January 2007.
- ^ Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Archaeology Data Service. Retrieved on 31 January 2007.
- ^ Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1960). p. 7.
- ^ a b c d Lancashire County Council (2005), Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn, p. 17.
- ^ Market Cross, Archaeological Data Society. Retrieved on 31 January 2007.
- ^ Beattie (1992), p. 13.
- ^ Beattie (1992), p. 49.
- ^ Vision of Britain: Bartholomew Gazetteer Entry for Blackburn, A Vision of Britain through Time, Retrieved on 21 April 2008.
- ^ Beattie (1992), pp. 15–16.
- ^ Beattie (1992), pp. 16–18.
- ^ Timmins (1993).
- ^ Beattie (1992), p. 17.
- ^ Turner (1992), p. 9.
- ^ Turner (1992), p. 12.
- ^ Turner (1992), pp. 18–24.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 11.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 18.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 24.
- ^ a b Taylor (2000), pp. 109–110.
- ^ a b c d e f Taylor (2000), pp. 47–55.
- ^ "Indian Duties". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1678&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "Financial Crisis". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1680&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "Post-War Boom". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1681&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 83.
- ^ a b "1950s Decline". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1682&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 87.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 91.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 94.
- ^ "Local Decline". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1683&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "The End of an Industry". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1684&language=eng. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "20th Century Changes: Production and Decline". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=345. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "Is Blackburn really a town of racial divide?". Daily Mail (London). 2007-05-06. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-453118/Is-Blackburn-really-town-racial-divide.html.
- ^ a b c Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) scorecard 2007, Audit Commission, Retrieved on 5 July 2008.
- ^ The Crests of Blackburn and Darwen, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Retrieved on 16 April 2008
- ^ Shocked Labour loses control of Blackburn with Darwen, David Bartlett, Lancashire Telegraph, 4 May 2007, Retrieved on 5 July 2008.
- ^ "UK Politics: Local Elections 2000: Blackburn with Darwen". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/uk_politics/vote2000/locals/10.stm. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
- ^ Blackburn Election Guide, UKPollingReport, Retrieved on 12 April 2008.
- ^ Ward, David (2002-11-23). "BNP snatches council seat in Straw constituency". The Guardian (London). http://www.guardian.co.uk/farright/story/0,11981,845853,00.html. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ Wilson, Graeme and Powell, Adam (2002-11-23). "Straw condemns BNP after victory in his backyard". Daily Mail (Associated Newspapers Ltd).
- ^ Braid, Mary and Walker, Nick (1993-09-17). "BNP wins seat on East End council after recount". The Independent (Independent News and Media).
- ^ Higginson, David (2002-11-27). "BNP secures three seats". Newsquest Media Group.
- ^ Straw in plea to Muslim women: Take off your veils, David Bartlett, Lancashire Telegraph, 5 October 2006, Retrieved on 5 July 2008.
- ^ "Straw asks women for veil rethink". BBC News. 2006-10-05. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5410472.stm. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ "Jack Straw apologises for his anti-niqab comments at ENGAGE hustings in Blackburn". Iengage.org.uk. http://www.iengage.org.uk/component/content/article/1-news/861-jack-straw-apologises-for-his-anti-niqab-comments-at-engage-hustings-in-blackburn. Retrieved 2011-10-06.
- ^ Map of Blackburn and surrounding region, Google Maps; RecPath used for distances.
- ^ a b Blackburn, Ordnance Survey Get-a-map, Retrieved on 27 October 2006
- ^ "Coal mining in Blackburn with Darwen". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1251&language=eng. Retrieved 2006-10-27.
- ^ "Geography and geology". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=564&language=eng. Retrieved 2006-10-27.
- ^ Geology of the Blackburn Area, Grimshaw Origins and History, 2000
- ^ A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire – Landscape Character Assessment, Lancashire County Council
- ^ Contaminated land inspection strategy. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Retrieved on 6 July 2008.
- ^ 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Ethnic Group (KS06), Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 18 March 2008.
- ^ 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Country of Birth (KS05), Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 18 March 2008.
- ^ 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Religion (KS07), Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 18 March 2008.
- ^ 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Economic Activity (KS09A), Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 18 March 2008.
- ^ 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Approximated Social Grade (UV50), Office for National Statistics. Retrieved on 18 March 2008.
- ^ "Waterloo Pavilions". Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.11157. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ Blackburn is placed in a similar position to its neighbour Burnley in most consumer spending and footfall rankings. Along with Burnley, Bolton, Preston and Bury are the towns' main retail destination rivals.Tourism in Blackburn with Darwen: Shopping, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, 8 November 2005, Retrieved on 2 May 2006.
- ^ "Blackburn’s New Market open for business". Blackburn Life. http://www.blackburnlife.com/2011/06/blackburns-new-market-open-for-business/. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
- ^ Moseley, Tom (2008-05-27). "Famous Blackburn shoe store Tommy Ball's closes". Lancashire Telegraph. Newsquest Media Group. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/2300276.famous_blackburn_shoe_store_tommy_balls_closes/. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
- ^ Moseley, Tom (2009-01-09). "Shock as Blackburn's oldest shop announces plans to close". Blackburn Citizen. Newsquest Media Group. http://www.blackburncitizen.co.uk/news/blackburn/4033673.Shock_as_Mercer_s_announces_plans_to_close/. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
- ^ Moseley, Tom (2008-02-24). "Market site 'not for supermarket'". Lancashire Telegraph (Newsquest Media Group). http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/1992085.market_site_not_for_supermarket/. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
- ^ "Stroke of luck for swim star Niamh Robinson". http://menmedia.co.uk/accringtonobserver/sport/s/1490584_stroke-of-luck-for-swim-star-niamh-robinson.html.
- ^ a b "Local area airports". UpMyStreet.com. http://www.upmystreet.com/local/transport/airports/l/Blackburn-3520.html. Retrieved 2008-07-10. [dead link]
- ^ Wilson, James (26 April 2007). "A busy hub of connectivity". Financial Times – FT report – doing business in Manchester and the NorthWest (The Financial Times Limited).
- ^ Duckworth and Halsall (2002), p. 25.
- ^ "Blackburn Cathedral". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?LANGUAGE=eng&pageID=1339. Retrieved 2008-05-20.
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 9.
- ^ Jackman (2006), pp. 29–30.
- ^ Jackman (2006), pp. 181–187.
- ^ "Stadiums in England: North West". World Stadiums. http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/united_kingdom/england/north_west.shtml. Retrieved 2008-05-29.
- ^ Northcote at the Rovers, Conference and Banqueting website, Retrieved on 12 May 2008
- ^ Taylor (2000), p. 20.
- ^ Duckworth and Halsall (2002), p. 24.
- ^ Beattie (2007), p. 139.
- ^ a b "Currency converter". The National Archives. http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency/. Retrieved 2008-07-08.
- ^ Duckworth (2005), p. 20.
- ^ Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1970), p. 16.
- ^ Beattie (2007), pp. 197–198.
- ^ "Blackburn Technical School". Cotton Town. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?language=eng&pageID=1401. Retrieved 2008-04-24.
- ^ Timmins (1993), plate 161.
- ^ Moseley, Tom (2008-06-27). "Blackburn's Wainwright bridge opens to traffic". Lancashire Telegraph. Newsquest Media Group. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/3183883.Blackburn_s_Wainwright_bridge_opens_to_traffic/. Retrieved 2008-06-29.
- ^ "Steel brought in for £9m bridge". BBC. 2007-07-26. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6916943.stm. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ "Wainwright remembered with new bridge". Lancashire Telegraph. Newsquest Media Group. 2008-03-31. http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/2008/3/31/1091588.html. Retrieved 2008-05-19.
- ^ a b Duckworth (2005), p. 75.
- ^ Duckworth (2005), p. 65.
- ^ Duckworth (2005), pp. 78–79.
- ^ a b Duckworth (2005), p. 79.
- ^ Roe Lee Park. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Retrieved on 5 June 2008.
- ^ "Parks awarded prestigious Green Flags". Lancashire Telegraph (Newsquest Media Group). 2007-07-17. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/search/1550257.Parks_awarded_prestigious_Green_Flags/. Retrieved 2008-07-06.
- ^ Libraries, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on 4 July 2008.
- ^ Blackburn Central Library, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on 4 July 2008.
- ^ Our Libraries, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on 4 July 2008.
- ^ "Secondary schools". Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.1297. Retrieved 2008-11-22.
- ^ a b Education and lifelong learning, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Retrieved on 14 April 2008
- ^ a b Key Figures for Education, Skills and Training, Office for National Statistics, Retrieved on 14 April 2008
- ^ "School celebrates new funded status". Lancashire Evening Telegraph. Newsquest Media Group. 2005-06-17. http://archive.chorleycitizen.co.uk/2005/6/17/432031.html. Retrieved 2008-03-03.
- ^ "Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School". BBC News. 2008-01-10. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/889_4800.stm. Retrieved 2008-12-11.
- ^ Easton, Mark (2006-06-14). "School choice 'means classroom ghettos'". BBC News. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5078504.stm. Retrieved 2008-03-03.
- ^ Blackburn with Darwen Schools, Blackburn with Darwen, Retrieved on 14 April 2008
- ^ Blackburn Rovers club profile. www.premierleague.com. Retrieved on 29 May 2008.
- ^ Jackman (2006), p. 173.
- ^ Jackman (2006), pp. 175–179.
- ^ Jackman (2006), p. 179.
- ^ Jackman (2006), pp. 182–185
- ^ Jackman (2006), pp. 201–204
- ^ Musical mystery solved on tour. www.cnn.com. Retrieved on 30 May 2008.
- ^ "[1]" 4000 Holes
- ^ "Love + Hate", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on 10 May 2008.
- ^ "Love + Hate – film review", BBC website. Retrieved on 10 May 2008.
- ^ "Biography for Kathleen Harrison", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on 14 May 2006
- ^ "Ian McShane". BBC. http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/faces/ian_mcshane.shtml. Retrieved 2008-07-04.
- ^ "Essential facts on Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn". This Is Lancashire. Newsquest Media Group. 2001-08-27. http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/2001/8/27/660923.html. Retrieved 2006-05-14.
- ^ "Steve Pemberton", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on 6 September 2006.
- ^ Bio. "Bio". Diana Vickers. http://www.diana-vickers.com/bio. Retrieved 2011-10-06.
- ^ Wells, Colin (13 March 2004). "John Sumner obituary". The Independent. http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040313/ai_n12770302. Retrieved 2008-07-05.
- ^ "Football remembers Jack Walker". BBC News. 2000-08-18. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/885590.stm.
Bibliography[link]
- Abram, W. A. (1990) [1877]. A History of Blackburn Town & Parish (Limited second edition reprint ed.). T.H.C.L. Books. ISBN 0-948494-10-7.
- Allin, David. Blackburn Since 1900. ISBN 0-948946-18-0.
- Baggoley, M. (1996). Blackburn in Old Photographs. Sutton Publishing. ISBN 0-7509-1262-6.
- Beattie, Derek (1992). Blackburn: The Development of a Lancashire Cotton Town. Keele University Press. ISBN 1-85331-021-2.
- Beattie, Derek (2007). Blackburn: A History by Derek Beattie. Carnegie Publishing. ISBN 1-85936-113-7.
- Burrow, J and Co. (Eds.) (1960). Blackburn: Official Handbook. Cheltenham and London.
- Burrow, J and Co. (Eds.) (1970). Blackburn: Official Handbook. Cheltenham and London. ISBN 0-85026-110-4.
- Cole, Matthew (1996). Blackburn's Shops at the Turn of the Century. Landy Publishing Company. ISBN 1-872895-28-X.
- Duckworth, Alan (2005). Blackburn: Town and City memories. The Francis Frith Collection. ISBN 1-85937-986-9.
- Duckworth, Alan and Halsall, Jim (2002). Blackburn in Focus. Landy Publishing Company. ISBN 1-872895-58-1.
- Halsall, Jim (1998). Blackburn in Times Gone By. Landy Publishing Company. ISBN 1-872895-39-5.
- Jackman, Mike (2006). Blackburn Rovers: An Illustrated History. The Breedon Books Publishing Company. ISBN 1-85983-475-2.
- Miller, Geo. C. (1992) [1951]. Blackburn: the Evolution of a Cotton Town (Limited second edition reprint ed.). Blackburn: T.H.C.L. Books. ISBN 0-948494-18-2.
- Seabrook, Jeremy (1973). City Close-up: Blackburn. Penguin Books. ISBN 0-14-003721-7.
- Taylor, Andrew (2000). 20th Century Blackburn. Wharncliffe Books. ISBN 1-871647-89-4.
- Timmins, Geoffrey (1993). Blackburn: A Pictorial History. Phillimore and Co.. ISBN 0-85033-865-4.
- Turner, William (1992). RIOT!: The Story of the East Lancashire Loom-Breakers. Lancashire County Books. ISBN 1-871236-17-7.
- Woodruff, William (1993). Billy Boy: The Story of a Lancashire Weaver's Son. Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 1-85331-047-6.
- Woodruff, William (2002). The Road to Nab End: A Lancashire Childhood. This is a later and retitled edition of Woodruff (1993). Abacus. ISBN 0-349-11521-4.
External links[link]
|
Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Blackburn |
- Blackburn with Darwen Council, The website of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.
- www.cottontown.org, A website documenting the history of Blackburn with Darwen as influenced by the development of the cotton trade.
- Lancashire Telegraph, The daily newspaper based in Blackburn.
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This page contains text from Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackburn
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License, which means that you can copy and modify it as long as the entire work (including additions) remains under this license.
This article is about the town in Lancashire. For the similarly named river which runs through the town, see River Darwen.
Not to be confused with any of the possible meanings of Darwin.
Coordinates: 53°41′53″N 2°27′40″W / 53.698°N 2.461°W / 53.698; -2.461
| Darwen | |
 Montage of Darwen. From top to bottom, left to right: Landscape View of Darwen, Darwen Town Hall, India Mill Chimney, Darwen Jubilee Tower, Darwen Coat of Arms, Darwen Library and Bold Venture Park. |
|
|
Darwen
Darwen shown within Lancashire |
|
| Area | 7.58 km2 (2.93 sq mi) [1] |
|---|---|
| Population | 31,570 [1] (2001 Census) |
| - Density | 4,165 /km2 (10,790 /sq mi)[1] |
| OS grid reference | SD695225 |
| Civil parish | Darwen |
| Unitary authority | Blackburn with Darwen |
| Ceremonial county | Lancashire |
| Region | North West |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | DARWEN |
| Postcode district | BB3 |
| Dialling code | 01254 |
| Police | Lancashire |
| Fire | Lancashire |
| Ambulance | North West |
| EU Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament | Rossendale and Darwen |
| List of places: UK • England • Lancashire | |
Darwen is a market town and civil parish located within Lancashire, England. Along with its northerly neighbour, Blackburn, it forms the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen — a unitary authority area. It is known locally as "Darren", and its residents are known as "Darreners". The main road through Darwen is the A666 towards Blackburn to the north and Bolton to the south, and ultimately Manchester. The town stands on the River Darwen, which flows from south to north and is visible only in the outskirts of the town, as within the town centre it is submerged.
Contents |
History[link]
Most authorities trace the name 'Darwen' to the Brythonic derw "oak", originally applied to the river; an etymology supported an older form of the name, Derewent (1208).[2] It has also been claimed that the name Darwen stems from "Dwrgwyn", from the Old Welsh (also a Brythonic language) dwr or "water" and gwyn Brythonic for "white" or "clear". Thus the name may mean "clear water".
The area around Darwen has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age, and the remains of a barrow from approximately 2000 BC have been partially restored at the Ashleigh Barrow[3] in Whitehall. Artefacts including a bronze dagger and urns containing human ashes were found, and a small number of these finds are now on display at Darwen Library Theatre. The Romans once had a force in Lancashire, and a Roman road is visible on the Ordnance Survey map of the area. Mediaeval Darwen was tiny; little or nothing survives. One of the earliest remaining buildings is a farmhouse at Bury Fold, dated 1675.[4] Whitehall Cottage is thought to be the oldest house in the town, and was mostly built in the 17th and 18th centuries but contains a chimney piece dated 1557.[5][6]
Like many towns in Lancashire, Darwen was a centre for textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution. Samuel Crompton, inventor of the spinning mule, lived there for part of his life.[7] Rail links and the Leeds-Liverpool Canal arrived in the mid-19th century. The most important textile building in Darwen is India Mill, built by Eccles Shorrock & Company. The company was ruined, however, by the effects of the Lancashire Cotton Famine of the 1860s.
Much of the town was built between about 1850 and 1900; placenames, date stones in terraces, and the vernacular architecture of cellars, local stone, locally-made brick, pipework and tiles and leaded glass, the last now mostly gone, reflect this. It was one of the first places in the world to have steam trams. The arrangement of town hall, market, public transport, eating/hotel facilities and the pre-suburban mixed-size vernacular housing, with local variations according to topography, is very characteristic of northern England. The year 1900 perhaps represents the peak of Victorian optimism in the area. The working classes were then much more identifiable as masses than now. George Orwell, for example, described the sound of clogs on cobblestones of the large number of female millworkers.[citation needed] The rise of the Labour Party from about 1900 coincided with a decline in the Liberal Party, which followed the Manchester School in economics, increasingly seen as permitting unjustified exploitation. However, Darwen usually voted for the Conservative Party until a Conservative government made unpopular administrative rearrangements in the early 1970s.[citation needed]
Andrew Carnegie financed a public library here; the town also had an art and technology college and a grammar school. In common with many northern nonconformist towns, there are many chapels of assorted denominations, which flourished until the psychological blows of the First World War.[citation needed]
One of Darwen's biggest claims to fame is that it hosted a visit from Mohandas K. Gandhi in 1931. He had accepted the invitation[8] from Corder Catchpool, manager of the Spring Vale Garden Village Ltd[9], to see the effects of India's boycott of cotton goods. The unemployed mill workers greeted the man with great affection even when they were out of work, as they understood it was not India but greedy and irresponsible mill owners who were responsible for their situation.[citation needed]
India Mill is now home to many companies, including Brookhouse (producers of aeroplane parts) and Capita Group, which runs TV licensing. Since the 1950s, the textile industry has strongly declined in the region, although many industrial buildings from the period survive, now used for other purposes. India Mill and its famous chimney have been sold in a £12 million deal.[citation needed] Among Darwen's other famous industries are Crown Paints, formerly Walpamur Paints,[10] the earliest British paint manufacturer, which actually named one of its paints 'Darwen Satin Finish'. Crown Wallpaper manufactured wallpaper, Lincrusta and Anaglypta in the town. ICI Acrylics (now called Lucite International) was where acrylic glass (Perspex for windows and signage, and Sani-ware or Lucite used for the maufacture of baths and shower trays) was invented; it is still manufactured in two separate plants within the town. Spitfire canopies and (later) coloured polythene washing-up bowls were first made here.[citation needed]
Government[link]
The municipal borough of Darwen existed for ninety-six years, from 1878. The borough was merged with Blackburn in 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972. The town became part of the Lancashire non-metropolitan district of Blackburn, which was renamed Blackburn with Darwen in 1997, shortly before it became a unitary authority.
The population of the town declined from 40 000 in the 1911 census to 30 000 in the 1971 census.[11]
Locally, Darwen has been represented by Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors in the main council wards for the town. In the 2008 local elections, the For Darwen Party picked up the majority of the wards in the town to put pressure on Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council for Darwen to have its own council again. In June 2009 Darwen Town Council was formed.
There are five council wards within Darwen out of the 23 in the Borough of Blackburn with Darwen. These are:
Darwen had its own parliamentary constituency until 1983 when it became part of the present Rossendale and Darwen constituency. This marginal seat is currently held by Conservative Jake Berry.
Coat of arms[link]
The coat of arms for Darwen should not be confused with the coat of arms used by the unitary authority of Blackburn with Darwen, which is the coat of arms for Blackburn.
Darwen was granted its coat of arms on 7 August 1878.[13] At the foot of the coat of arms is the town motto in Latin Absque Labore Nihil, which translates as "Nothing without labour". The arms depicts three cotton bolls and the River Darwen which runs through the town. The cotton represents the cotton industry in which the town grew and prospered during the Industrial Revolution and the three bolls to represent the three main areas of Darwen - Over Darwen, Lower Darwen and Hoddlesden. At the helm of the coat of arms is a barred helmet representing nobility, and above it the torse in the town colours of blue and gold. At the crest a man stands shouldering a pick-axe, which refers to the town's motto and also represents the mining industry that was present to the east of the town at that time.
Education[link]
See also: List of schools in Blackburn with Darwen
After the passing of the Education Act 1870, many schools were established to serve the ever-growing population. Many were later demolished.
The Darwen Academy opened in September 2008 at the premises of the former Darwen Moorland High School on the outskirts of the town, which had closed in July 2008 to reopen as the academy after the summer holidays. All students from Darwen Moorland transferred to the academy. Students have subsequently moved down to the new site, into a state-of-the-art £49m academy, with sixth form and modern facilities. The plan to build the academy proved controversial (see Future and regeneration of the town below).
Darwen Vale High School is also being rebuilt and will be completed in 2012, as part of government's Building Schools for the Future (BSF) initiative.
Geography[link]
 |
Feniscowles | Blackburn | Accrington | |
| Leyland |  |
Haslingden | ||
 Darwen East |
||||
 |
||||
| Chorley | Bolton | Edgworth |
Location[link]
Darwen is a quintessential Lancastrian town in the south-east of the county. Its position in the West Pennine Moors makes its topography relatively arid[clarification needed] and it stands within a valley with the River Darwen flowing at its base. The river passes through the town from south to north, subsequently joining the River Ribble, one of the longest rivers in North West England. The town is mainly accessible from the north (Blackburn) and south (Bolton) by the A666 road. Its weather conditions made it perfect for cotton weaving and as a result it became one of the largest mill towns in Lancashire.
The Guinness Book of Records mentions that Darwen had one of the largest flash floods in the United Kingdom.[14]
Landmarks[link]
Darwen Jubilee Tower[link]
In 1897 the town council met to deliberate how best to celebrate the Queen Victoria Diamond Jubilee. The idea of building the Jubilee Tower, in conjunction with public access to the moors, was put forward. A competition to design the tower was won by Ralph Ellison from the borough engineer's department and on 22 June 1897 work began. On 24 September 1898 the opening ceremony was held, attended by over 3,000 people. Present at the ceremony were Councillor Alexander Carus, Mayor Charles Huntington, the High Sheriff of Lancashire and Lord of the Manor Rev. W.A. Duckworth.
The tower, which is open to the public, overlooks the town from the moors and stands at an altitude of 374m and has a height of 26m. A spiral staircase leads to the top from where, on a clear day, Blackpool Tower, the Isle of Man, North Wales and the Furness Peninsula can be seen. In November 2010 the dome of the tower was blown off by strong winds. The dome was restored in January 2012.[15]
Darwen Library[link]
Originally situated in the Peel Street Baths (now the Co-operative supermarket in the Circus), the library was transferred to the new technical school building in 1895.[16] Today Darwen Library stands at the corner of Knott Street and School Street to the north of the Circus. It was commissioned by Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish migrant to the USA who made his fortune as a producer of iron and steel. He donated £8,000 in response to a speculative appeal for funds by the Library Committee. The opening took place on 27 May 1908 and was attended by Mayor Councilor G.P. Holde, Councillor Ralph Yates and Carnegie himself, The library has served the town ever since, with the original lecture hall being transformed into the Library Theatre in June 1971.[16]
Darwen Town and Market Hall[link]
The Market Hall was opened on 11 July 1882 and the clock tower was added in 1899, when Dr. Ballantyne became mayor. In the 1930s part of the market ground was made into the town's bus station and still remains today. In 1992 a three-day market was introduced. Although local government proceedings were transferred to Blackburn in the 1970s, the council chambers remained in the building, and were used by the magistrates' court from 1983 until 1992. The town hall currently houses offices of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team, and five shop units opened in 2011, and is a venue for meetings of the Darwen Town Council established in 2009.[16][17][18][19][20]
Parks[link]
Bold Venture Park[link]
Bold Venture Park stands to the west of the town, at the foot of the moors and the path which leads to the Jubilee Tower. The land in which the park lies was bought by Rev. W.A. Duckworth. It was built by W. Stubbs of the Borough Engineers and Thomas Hogy the landscaper and gardener, and opened in 1889.
Sunnyhurst Woods[link]
Sunnyhurst Woods was originally owned by the Brock-Hollinshead family and used for hunting stag. The area was later sold to Eccles Shorrock. To commemorate the coronation of Edward VII the land was turned into a public park on 2 July 1903.
Transport[link]
Darwen sits in a large valley strung along the A666 road along the valley floor. It is connected to the motorway system at Junction 4 of the M65 at Earcroft, on the town's northern boundary, and considerable traffic passes through the town centre along the A666, causing high levels of air pollution. The local council has recently attempted to address the situation by adding a new road layout to the town centre, with public transport and junction improvements to reduce traffic.
Darwen stands athwart the Ribble Valley railway line, operated by Northern Rail. Darwen railway station has one train per hour between Clitheroe and Manchester (via Bolton). Darwen's bus terminal (Darwen Circus) hosts buses up to every 12 minutes to Blackburn/Accrington on weekdays. There is also a service, every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on Sundays, to Bolton and Clitheroe, but the Bolton service terminates at 7:00pm. Both services are operated by Transdev Lancashire United.
In 2008 the "Pennine Reach" scheme, to improve public transport between Darwen, Blackburn and Hyndburn, was proposed by Lancashire and Blackburn with Darwen councils, including plans for the addition of bus lanes to the A666. However, it has been controversial, with some residents placing "Say no to Bus Lane, we don't want it" signs in their windows, and the neighbouring district of Hyndburn pulled out of the scheme.[21] The scheme was put on hold in 2010 as local authorities reviewed their spending after their budgets were cut, before being abandoned later in the year due to lack of government funding, and the councils are now looking at other ways to improve public transport.[22][23]
Future and regeneration of the town[link]
 |
This section needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (August 2008) |
Since the opening of the M65 motorway in 1997, many businesses have been attracted to the area, with industrial estates growing to the north of the town at Junction 4 of the motorway. The motorway services opened up a lot of easily accessible land for businesses, allowing large industrial units to be built.
In 2004 Crown Wallcoverings, previously one of the biggest businesses in the town, closed with the loss of more than 200 jobs.[24] The Crown building was a large redbrick ten-storey building with numerous chimneys. In 2006 the empty building and 60-metre high (200 ft) chimney was demolished. In 2008 building work started on the site to build 79 two-bedroom apartments and 56 three-bedroom family homes. The building of these homes was halted during 2009 due to a lack of buyers because of the economic downturn.
In December 2006, Darwen's Leisure Centre closed so that a new £12.7m leisure centre could be built. The previous leisure centre's facilities were run-down and there was a crack in the pool. The new "state-of-the-art" leisure centre was planned on its original site. However, the leisure centre was left empty and untouched for over a year while original plans were scrapped, as they did not include a sports hall as the old leisure centre had. The plan was to have a split site, and the sports hall facilities would be part of Darwen Vale High School. The residents of Darwen wanted all facilities on one site, so the plans were altered. In February 2008 work began on demolishing all the buildings. The centre's original porchway was dismantled and will be rebuilt next to the White Lion pub, to act as a freestanding archway into the centre, so as to preserve its Roman Baths-style facade.
The new leisure centre opened on 29 January 2010 and features a 25-metre, 8-lane swimming pool, children's pool, activity rooms, a gym with 80 pieces of equipment, a large health suite, a cafe and a 63-space car park. The Roman-Baths-style façade was rebuilt next to the White Lion pub, providing a freestanding archway. To many residents of the town, the new leisure centre is a great success, but some dislike the architectural design of the building, and the fact that the large windows of the swimming pool look out onto the road, where passers by and standing traffic can easily see in, is a concern.[citation needed]
Behind the leisure centre is the new Health Centre, relocated in September 2005 from its original smaller site, which is being redeveloped into houses and apartments.
In 2006/2007 the Darwen Town Centre Masterplan was announced. It included traffic improvements, public transport improvements and new street furniture. As the A666 enters the centre, it originally split into a one-way system. However, at peak times traffic was heavy, and pollution was a worry. The Masterplan scrapped the one-way system and the original A666 one-way system towards Bolton was closed to all traffic except buses. Pavements were widened, and new street furniture and bus stops added. Cobbled roads were introduced here and the original bus station in front of the Market was made smaller to make a larger area for events and pedestrians. The A666 was redirected along the previous one-way system to Blackburn to make a two-way road. However, at one point a small one-way system occurs as the road was not wide enough for two-way traffic. The A666 now passes both ways in front of the new leisure centre. This was given the go-ahead and implemented in the following years.
Another part of the masterplan was to demolish the three-day market and build a new one 200 metres/yards away so that an open day market and events area could be used. However, no more information has been announced on this.
The most controversial recent project was the new £49m Darwen Academy, built in the Redearth Triangle on the outskirts of the town centre across from Sainsbury's. The plans of the Darwen Aldridge Community Academy were first shown over five years ago, and since then the residents of Redearth Triangle fought a legal battle to stay in their homes. The battle went on for almost a year and ended up in the High Court. However, residents lost the battle and ended up moving to other accommodation. Demolition began late 2007 and building work took place soon after. Darwen Aldridge Community Academy was officially opened in 2011 by Prince William and Kate Middleton only a month before their wedding. The Academy and sixth form have both made record breaking GCSE and A-Level results in 2011. Labour leader Ed Miliband also visited the school in 2011.
Culture and Community[link]
The Darwen News published a Maudley Medley on 9 March 1878 which still resigns in popularity today:
-
-
- 'Tween two hillsides, both bleak and barren,"
-
-
-
- Lies lovely little "Dirty Darren" [16]
-
In Lancashire dialect, the name Darwen is pronounced Darren, and the locals refer to themselves as Darreners. They are generally resistant to any attempts at submerging the identity of the town within Blackburn.[25] A motorway service area at junction 4 of the M65 motorway lies within the town, and was originally named "Blackburn Services". Following local protests[26] it has been renamed "Blackburn with Darwen Services".
The town is the home of the Darwen Library Theatre (an extension to the library), and the TV show Hetty Wainthropp Investigates. Darwen has a few footnotes in entertainment history: its theatre (now demolished) had appearances by Charlie Chaplin, and it featured in a film by Norman Wisdom. George Formby's wife was from Darwen.[citation needed]
The Beatles played in Darwen on Friday 25 January 1963, at the Co-operative Hall. They headlined the "The Greatest Teenage Dance" which was commissioned by the Darwen Baptist Youth Club. Support acts included The Electones, The Mike Taylor Combo and The Mustangs with Ricky Day.
Music[link]
Darwen Live (formerly Darwen Music Live) is a free two-day music festival held each year over the second bank holiday in May. The main stage is built outside the town hall, and other smaller music stages are usually based around the town in pubs and bars. The festival has attracted artists such as The Buzzcocks and China Crisis, as well as being a showcase for local bands.[27]
Darwen has a brass band, named 'Darwen Brass'.[28] The band, under MD Steve Hartley, won four consecutive first place prizes in NWCBBA (North West Counties Brass Band Association) contests in the 2009/10 season.[29] The contest successes were in Fleetwood, St. Helens, Preston and Tameside (competing within the 4th section). Following this success, the band was promoted to the 3rd section for the 2010/11 season and finished third at the Fleetwood contest.[citation needed]
The town's local radio station is 107 The Bee, based in Dalton Court just off the motorway services. 107 The Bee broadcasts to Blackburn with Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.
Sports[link]
The town was the home of Darwen Football Club, formed in 1870 and the first English football club to have paid professional players.[30] The team reached the semi-final of the FA Cup in 1880-81 and played in the Football League between 1891 and 1899. The club was wound up at the end of the 2008-09 season and replaced almost immediately by A.F.C. Darwen. The new club plays in Division One of the North West Counties Football League and is based at the Anchor Ground. Darwen also has a cricket club, Darwen Cricket Club, currently based at Birch Hall Cricket Ground. The club plays in the Northern Premier Cricket League.
To the north-west of the town lies Darwen Golf Club. The characteristics of the course have changed little since the club was established in 1893. Due to its geographical location within the moors, the course is regarded as a tough test of golfing ability. From its peak viewpoint the course has panoramic views of the surrounding area as far out as Blackpool and cascades down into the shadow of Darwen Tower.[31]
Until the Sports Centre was demolished, Darwen was home to the North West Open Karate tournament, which hosted many national and world champions. Tower Shukokai Karate Club[32] was resident at the sports centre from 1988 and remains active. Tower's instructors, Andy Allwood, 5th Dan, and Martyn Skipper 4th Dan, both won this tournament in their respective weight categories (Allwood, heavyweight, in the 1990s and Skipper, lightweight, in 2006 after the tournament had relocated to Bury).[citation needed]
Notable people[link]
- Margaret Chapman (née Duxbury), illustrator and painter
- Dick Burton, golf's Open champion, 1939 (who went on to hold the Claret Jug for seven years after the Championship was suspended because of World War II)
- Bryn Haworth, British singer-songwriter was brought up in Darwen
- Edward Harwood, composer (1707–1787)
- John Harwood, Mayor of Accrington 1912–1915, raised the Accrington Pals (11 Battalion East Lancashire Regiment)
- Charles Potter, who printed wallpaper in Darwen, was a cousin of Edmund Potter, grandfather of Beatrix Potter
- Neil Arthur, lead vocalist of 1980s group Blancmange[33]
- Sam Wadsworth, England international footballer 1922–1926, was captain of the England team and a member of the Huddersfield Town team which won a hat-trick of Football League Championships in 1923–4, 1924–5 and 1925–6.
- James Watson, award-winning author
- Mick Livesey, greyhound racing columnist for Racing Post, appears on RPGTV, and was captain of the Greyhound Premier League 2011/12 Champions "Dunham Devils".[citation needed]
- Mark Patterson, Former professional Footballer.
Photo gallery[link]
-
Darwen countryside
-
Darwen countryside
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Tower View from Weasel Lane
See also[link]
References[link]
- ^ a b c KS01 Usual resident population: Census 2001, Key Statistics for urban areas, Office for National Statistics
- ^ Mills, A.D. (1991). Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-869156-4.
- ^ "Ashleigh Barrow". The Modern Antiquarian. http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/3014. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
- ^ "Bury Fold". Heritage Gateway. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1072437&resourceID=5. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ "Darwen: Historic Town Assessment Report". Lancashire Historic Town Survey Programme. Lancashire County Council. May 2005. http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/documents/historictowns/DarwenComplete_LowRes.pdf.
- ^ "Gable End Cottage, Whitehall, Whitehall Cottages". Heritage Gateway. http://www.heritagegateway.org.uk/Gateway/Results_Single.aspx?uid=1072410&resourceID=5. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ French, Gilbert James (1859). The life and times of Samuel Crompton, inventor of the spinning machine known as the mule. London: Simpkin, Marshall. p. 196. OCLC 218459536.
- ^ Hughes, William R: Indomitable Friend, the Life of Corder Catchpool 1883-1952: p.70
- ^ Hughes, William R: Indomitable Friend, the Life of Corder Catchpool 1883-1952; p.60
- ^ A brief history of Walpamur paint.
- ^ "Darwen MB: Total Population". Visionofbritain.org.uk. http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/data_cube_table_page.jsp?data_theme=T_POP&data_cube=N_TPop&u_id=10109437&c_id=10001043&add=N. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
- ^ "Darwen town council election results 2009". Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. 2009. http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=nav.2967. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ^ Civic Heraldry of the United Kingdom: Darwen, Heraldry of the World.
- ^ Guinness Book of Records.[year needed][page needed]
- ^ "Darwen Tower dome lifted into place by helicopter". BBC News. 13 January 2012. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-lancashire-16551591.
- ^ a b c d Groom, Graham (1993). Arsque Labore Nihil. Historical and Contemporary Jottings on Darwen 1889-1993. Darwen: Little Darren Books. OCLC 29389745.
- ^ "Council Meetings". Darwen Town Council. http://www.darwentowncouncil.org.uk/meetings.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
- ^ "Darwen town hall shopping up and running". Lancashire Telegraph (Newsquest Media Group). 2011-07-29. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/darwen/9169048.Darwen_town_hall_shopping_up_and_running/. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
- ^ "Darwen – Town Centre Trail". Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. http://www.cottontown.org/HeritageTrail/darwenTownTrail.html. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
- ^ "Worries raised over Darwen Town Hall". Lancashire Telegraph (Newsquest Media Group). 2011-07-27. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/darwen/9163461.Worries_raised_over_Darwen_Town_Hall/. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
- ^ Watkinson, David (18 July 2008). "Major blow for bus lane". Lancashire Telegraph (Blackburn): p. 5.
- ^ "Lancashire councils budgeting for spending cuts". BBC News. 16 June 2010. http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/lancashire/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8741000/8741740.stm. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ^ Hopper, Chris (19 December 2010). "Parts of East Lancashire bus lane scheme to be revived". Lancashire Telegraph (Blackburn). http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/news/8746986.East_Lancs_bus_scheme_could_be_back_on/. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ^ "More paste, less heed!". Lancashire Telegraph (Blackburn). 22 March 2005. http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/archive/2005/03/22/Lancashire+Archive/5789832.More_paste__less_heed_/. Retrieved 24 March 2011.
- ^ ""''Hands off our name''", say Darreners". Lancashire Telegraph (Blackburn). 27 May 2004. http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/archive/2004/05/27/Lancashire+Archive/5838873.Hands_off_our_name__say_Darreners/. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- ^ "MP steps up M65 name campaign". Lancashire Telegraph (Blackburn). 3 September 2003. http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/archive/2003/09/03/Lancashire+Archive/5884245.MP_steps_up_M65_name_campaign/. Retrieved 4 June 2011.
- ^ "Darwen Live 2008". Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. 25 May 2008. http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.37946. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
- ^ Darwen Brass.
- ^ "Darwen Brass". Brass Band Results. 2011. http://brassbandresults.co.uk/bands/darwen-brass/.
- ^ "Darwen FC and the first professional footballer". Darwen Online Blog. 5 January 2009. http://www.darwenonline.com/2009/01/darwen-fc-and-first-professional.html. Retrieved 15 November 2009.
- ^ Darwen Golf Club website.
- ^ Tower Shukokai Karate Club.
- ^ "My mate's got me a flash new Merc". Lancashire Evening Telegraph (Blackburn). 10 September 2001. http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/archive/2001/09/10/Lancashire+Archive/6010403.My_mate_s_got_me_a_flash_new_Merc/. Retrieved 12 January 2010.
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For the cricketer, see Graham Burgess (cricketer).
Graham K. Burgess (born 1968 in Liverpool, England) is an English FIDE Master of chess and a noted writer and trainer. He became a FIDE Master at the age of twenty. He attended Birkdale High School in Southport, Merseyside. In 1989 he graduated from the University of Cambridge with a degree in mathematics. In 1994 he set a world record by playing 510 games of blitz chess (five minutes for each player) in three days, winning 431 games and drawing 25 (Burgess 2000:448–52).
Burgess has written more than twenty books and edited more than 250. His book The Mammoth Book of Chess won the British Chess Federation Book of the Year Award in 1997. He is the editorial director of Gambit Publications. (Burgess 2000:title page).
Books[link]
- Burgess, Graham (1993). The King's Indian for the Attacking Player. Batsford. ISBN 0-8050-2936-2.
- Burgess, Graham (1994). Winning with the Smith-Morra Gambit. Batsford. ISBN 0-8050-3574-5.
- Burgess, Graham (1995). Gambits. Batsford. ISBN 978-0-8050-3898-9.
- Burgess, Graham (1998). The Quickest Chess Victories of All Time. Everyman Chess. ISBN 978-1-85744-538-1.
- Nunn, John; Gallagher, Joe; Emms, John; Burgess, Graham (1999). Nunn's Chess Openings. Everyman Chess. ISBN 978-1-85744-221-2
- Burgess, Graham (2009). The Mammoth Book of Chess (3rd ed.). Running Press Book Publishers. ISBN 978-0-7624-3726-9 First edition (1997) also published in hardback as Chess: Tactics and Strategy, Castle Books, 2002, ISBN 978-0-7858-1516-7
- Burgess, Graham (2000). Chess Highlights of the 20th Century. Gambit Publications. ISBN 978-1-901983-21-0.
- Burgess, Graham (2001). The Slav. Gambit. ISBN 1-901983-44-7.
- Burgess, Graham; Nunn, John; Emms, John (2004). The Mammoth Book of the World's Greatest Chess Games (2nd ed.). Carroll & Graf. ISBN 978-0-7867-1411-7
References[link]
- Burgess, Graham (2000). The Mammoth Book of Chess (second ed.). Carroll & Graf Publishers. ISBN 0-7867-0725-9
External links[link]
- Graham K Burgess rating card at FIDE
- Graham Burgess player profile at ChessGames.com
| Persondata | |
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| Name | Burgess, Graham |
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| Short description | |
| Date of birth | 1968 |
| Place of birth | |
| Date of death | |
| Place of death | |
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This biographical article relating to a British chess figure is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
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