Blackburn
Blackburn is a busy industrial town in Lancashire, 21 miles from Manchester.
The prosperity of Blackburn stems from the Industrial Revolution and the town`s important position in the cotton industry, dating from Flemish weavers` settlement in the 14th century, while Thwaites Brewery was another successful Victorian business.
James Hargreaves, inventor of the spinning jenny, was a Blackburn man, but he moved to Nottingham when his premises were attacked by Luddites.
Blackburn Cathedral is the former St. Mary`s Church, elevated to cathedral status in 1926.
The Town Hall was built in the 1850s, and bears a striking resemblance to the Mansion House in London.
The Exchange Building dates fom the 1860s.
People born in Blackburn include Kathleen Ferrier, singer; and Ian McShane, actor.
Members of Parliament for the town have included Barbara Castle and Jack Straw.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney gave the town more fame when writing of "four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire" in their song "A Day in the Life".
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Blackburn for groups.
Places in Blackburn
Blackburn Cathedral, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Blackburn Station, Corporation Park, Witton Country Park