Blackburn 325537 225250506 2008-07-12T18:18:58Z Beejaypii 6677652 /* Industrial Revolution and textiles */ Re-phrasing - more explanatory, less awkward (hopefully). {{other}} {{Infobox UK place |country = England |latitude = 53.7449 |longitude = -2.4769 |population = [[List of English cities by population|105,085]]<ref name="Census KS01">{{cite web|url=http://www.statistics.gov.uk/StatBase/ssdataset.asp?vlnk=8271&Pos=2&ColRank=1&Rank=224|title=KS01 Usual resident population: Census 2001, Key Statistics for urban areas|work=National Statistics|publisher=[[Office for National Statistics]]|accessdate=2008-07-09}}</ref> |population_density = {{Pop density mi2 to km2|11114|precision=0|abbr=yes|wiki=yes}}<ref name="Census KS01"/> |official_name = Blackburn |unitary_england = [[Blackburn with Darwen]] |lieutenancy_england = [[Lancashire]] |region = North West England |constituency_westminster = [[Blackburn (UK Parliament constituency)|Blackburn]] |post_town = BLACKBURN |postcode_district = BB1 - BB2 |postcode_area = BB |dial_code = 01254 |os_grid_reference = SD685277 |london_distance = {{convert|184|mi|km|abbr=on}} [[Boxing the compass|SSE]] |static_image = [[Image:Blackburn Lancashire Townscape.jpg|240px]] |static_image_caption = <small>Blackburn town centre</small> }} '''Blackburn''' ({{Audio|en-uk-Blackburn.ogg|pronunciation}}) 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]], {{convert|8.9|mi|km|1|lk=on}} east of the city of [[Preston]], and {{convert|20|mi|km|0}} north-northwest of the city of [[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 [[United Kingdom Census 2001|UK Government's 2001 census]], Blackburn had a population of [[List of towns and cities in England by population|105,085]],<ref name="Census KS01"/> whilst the wider borough had a population of [[List of English districts by population|137,470]].<ref>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=276819&c=blackburn&d=13&e=15&g=388684&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1206733342120&enc=1 Census 2001: Blackburn with Darwen Local Authority], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[28 March]] [[2008]].</ref> A former [[mill town]], textiles have been produced in Blackburn since the middle of the 13th century, when locally produced wool was woven in people's houses. [[Flemish people|Flemish]] weavers who settled in the area during the 14th century helped to develop the industry.<ref name="hb flemish weavers">Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1960), p.&nbsp;8.</ref> [[James Hargreaves]], inventor of the [[spinning jenny]], was a weaver in Blackburn.<ref>Abram (1990), p.&nbsp;204.</ref> The most rapid period of growth and development in Blackburn's history coincided with the industrialisation and expansion of [[textile manufacture during the Industrial Revolution|textile manufacturing]]. Blackburn was a [[boomtown]] of the [[Industrial Revolution]], and amongst the first [[Industrialisation|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 society|post-industrial]] [[Northern England|northern]] towns, including [[deindustrialisation]], economic deprivation and housing issues. Since the 1950s the town has experienced significant levels of immigration, particularly from [[India]] and [[Pakistan]], and consequently has the third highest proportion of [[Muslim]]s in [[England and Wales]] and the highest in the [[United Kingdom]] outside [[London]]. Blackburn has experienced strained community relations in some areas. Blackburn and the [[town centre]] in particular has seen significant investment and redevelopment in the past 15&nbsp;years. Regeneration has been bolstered by monies from government and the [[European Regional Development Fund]].<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.4485 European regional development funding], [[Blackburn with Darwen Council]], Retrieved on [[17 April]] [[2008]]</ref> == History == ===Toponymy=== [[Image:BlackburnClockTower1906.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Blackburn's old clock tower in 1906 with [[time ball]] at the top of its mast.]] 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".<ref>Miller (1992), p.&nbsp;6.</ref><ref>Beattie (1992), p.&nbsp;11.</ref><ref>[http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/domesday/discover-domesday/making-of-domesday.htm Survey and making of Domesday] The UK National Archives. Retrieved on [[1 June]] [[2008]]</ref> === Prehistory === There is little evidence of prehistoric settlement in the [[River Blakewater, Lancashire|Blakewater]] valley, in which Blackburn later developed. It is generally thought that most human activity in East Lancashire during this period occurred on hilltops. Evidence of such activity during the [[British Bronze Age|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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/1996/3/27/856314.html | title=Rare Treasure Found | date=1996-03-27 | accessdate=2008-07-06 | work=[[Lancashire Evening Telegraph]] | publisher=[[Newsquest Media Group]] }}</ref> The presence of a possible [[Holy well|sacred spring]]&mdash;perhaps in use during the [[British Iron Age|Iron Age]]&mdash;provides evidence of prehistoric man's activity in the area now occupied by the town centre, at All Hallows Spring on Railway Road.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lancashire.gov.uk/environment/archaeologyandheritage/historictowns/BlackburnToFig4_LowRes.pdf | title=Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn: Historic Town Assessment Report | publisher=[[Lancashire County Council]] | year=2005 | month=April | accessdate=2008-03-03 | page=p. 16. }}</ref> === Roman era === Blackburn stands at the site where a [[Roman road|Roman military road]] crossed the river Blakewater. The road linked [[Bremetennacum|Bremetennacum Veteranorum]] (the modern-day village of [[Ribchester]]) and [[Mamucium]] (a roman [[Fortification|fort]] which was located in what is now the [[Castlefield]] area of the [[Manchester|City of Manchester]]). The route of the Roman road passed to the east of the site of Blackburn's modern-day [[Blackburn Cathedral|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.<ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 16.</ref><ref>Beattie (1992), p.&nbsp;11.</ref> George C. Miller in his ''Blackburn - the Evolution of a Cotton Town'' says: <blockquote>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.<ref>Miller [1952](1992), p.&nbsp;4.</ref></blockquote> 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, [[legatus|legate]] of [[Legio VI Victrix]].<ref>[http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/search/fr.cfm?rcn=NMR_NATINV-43504 Site of All Hallows Spring-Holy well], Archaeology Data Service. Retrieved on [[31 January]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 16.</ref> === Middle Ages === [[Image:StrikingMillWorkersBlackburn.jpg|thumb|right|[[Industrial action|Strike]] of [[cotton mill]] workers in 1920 in Cowell Street in the Nab Lane area]] 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.<ref>[http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/search/fr.cfm?rcn=NMR_NATINV-43508 Church of St. Mary the Virgin], Archaeology Data Service. Retrieved on [[31 January]] [[2007]].</ref><ref>Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1960). p.&nbsp;7.</ref><ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 17.</ref> The town was certainly important during the [[Anglo-Saxons|Anglo-Saxon]] era. It was during this period that [[Blackburnshire|Blackburnshire Hundred]] came into existence, probably as a territorial division of the kingdom of [[Northumbria]].<ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 17.</ref> 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.<ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 17.</ref> A market cross was also erected nearby in 1101.<ref>[http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/search/fr.cfm?rcn=NMR_NATINV-43500 Market Cross], Archaeological Data Society. Retrieved on [[31 January]] [[2007]].</ref> 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 title|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.<ref>Lancashire County Council (2005), ''Lancashire Historic Town Survey: Blackburn'', p. 17.</ref> In addition to the settlement in the town centre area, there were several other medieval domiciles nearby. ===Industrial Revolution and textiles=== [[Image:MakingShuttlesBlackburn.jpg|thumb|right|Workers producing [[shuttle (weaving)|shuttles]] for the textile industry, c.&nbsp;1920. Rowland Baguley and Company, based on Addison Street, produced a wide range of shuttles for the home textile industry and for export before it closed in the early 1930s.]] Textile manufacturing in Blackburn dates from the middle of the 13th century, when wool produced by local farmers was woven in people's houses. Flemish weavers settled in the area in the 14th century and 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.<ref name="hb flemish weavers"/> By the first half of the 18th century, [[textile industry|textile manufacture]] had become Blackburn's main industry.<ref>Beattie (1992), p.&nbsp;13.</ref> From the mid-18th to the early 20th century, Blackburn "developed from a market town with less than 5,000 inhabitants with an expanding textile trade, to the weaving capital of the world with a population of over 130,000".<ref>Beattie (1992), p.&nbsp;49.</ref> ''John Bartholomew's Gazetteer of the British Isles'' provides a profile of Blackburn in 1887: <blockquote>Blackburn. parl. and mun. bor., par. and township, NE. Lancashire, 9&nbsp;miles [14&nbsp;km] E. of [[Preston]] and 210&nbsp;miles [340&nbsp;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 (fabric)|calico]], [[muslin]], &c., there being over 140 mills at work. There are also factories for making cotton machinery and [[steam engine|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, Blackburn|Corporation Park]] (50 [[acre|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&nbsp;members to Parliament.<ref>[http://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/descriptions/entry_page.jsp?text_id=1869320&word=NULL Vision of Britain: Bartholomew Gazetteer Entry for Blackburn], ''A Vision of Britain through Time'', Retrieved on [[April 21]] [[2008]].</ref></blockquote> The manufacture of cotton cloth expanded rapidly in Blackburn from around 1750. Initially, before the advent of [[Spinning (textiles)|spinning]] mills, cottagers were supplied with cotton by the town's cotton merchants. The cottagers, who were paid by the piece, would spin the cotton into thread and weave it into cloth. The merchants would then have the cloth bleached and dyed. After 1775, spinning mills began to appear in the town. The earliest mills were converted warehouses, then in 1797 the first purpose-built spinning mill was constructed, and by 1824 there were 24 such mills. By 1870 there were 2.5&nbsp;million [[Spindle (textiles)|spindles]] in Blackburn, with 24&nbsp;spinning mills having been constructed since 1850. Spinning declined in the town between 1870&ndash;1900, as this sector of the cotton industry moved to [[South Lancashire]].<ref>Beattie (1992), pp.&nbsp;15&ndash;16.</ref> [[Weaving]], in 18th century Blackburn, was carried out mainly by [[loom|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 decline 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.<ref>Beattie (1992), pp.&nbsp;16&ndash;18.</ref> Improvements made 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 the 1840s. The railway brought opportunities for expansion of the cotton trade and subsequent decades saw many new mills constructed.<ref>Timmins (1993).</ref> For example: 68 weaving-only and 4 combined weaving and spinning mills were built between 1850-1870, and 9 weaving mills were built per decade between 1870&ndash;1890.<ref>Beattie (1992), p.&nbsp;17.</ref> [[Image:Mill Chimney, Blackburn, UK.jpg|thumb|upright|Duke Street Mill being destroyed]] Improvements in the efficiency of powerlooms meant that the process which had been the primary source of wealth and income for handloom weavers began to relocate from the cottage to the factory.<ref>Turner (1992), p.&nbsp;9.</ref> 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.<ref>Turner (1992), p.&nbsp;12.</ref> In response to these high levels of unemloyment, the Lancashire weavers' riots took place. At 3:00&nbsp;pm on [[April 24]] [[1826]] a mob arrived in Blackburn after travelling from nearby [[Accrington]], where they had already attacked powerlooms. Proceeding to Bannister Eccles' Jubilee Factory on Jubilee St in Blackburn town centre, the mob destroyed 212&nbsp;powerlooms in the space of 35&nbsp;minutes. The rioters then went to the nearby John Houghton and Sons' Park Place factory and destroyed another 25&nbsp;looms, before moving on in search of more machinery to attack. The crowd began to disperse at around 6:00&nbsp;pm, troops having arrived as early as 3:30&nbsp;pm to try to quell the rioting.<ref>Turner (1992), pp.&nbsp;18&ndash;24.</ref> ===Decline of the cotton industry=== As early as 1890 it was recognised that Blackburn was over-dependent on the cotton industry, with the town's [[Chamber of Commerce]] warning of the dangers of "only having one string to their bow in Blackburn".<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;11.</ref> 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.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;18.</ref> A few years later, in 1908, another slump saw 43&nbsp;mills stop production and a quarter of the town's looms idle.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;24.</ref>[[Image:Albion Mill Blackburn.jpg|thumb|right|Albion Mill photographed in 2008. The mill ceased production in 1975.<ref name="Taylor A">Taylor (2000), pp.&nbsp;109&ndash;110.</ref>]] Suspension of trade with India during the [[World War I|First World War]] resulted in the expansion of India's cotton industry at the expense of Britain's,<ref name="ATaylor 1">Taylor (2000), pp.&nbsp;47&ndash;55.</ref> 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 increase to 47, with 43,000&nbsp;looms idle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1678&language=eng|title=Indian Duties|work=Cotton Town|publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council|accessdate=2008-05-19}}</ref> Two years into the slump, the Foundry and Limbrick mills became the first in the town to close permanently.<ref name ="ATaylor 1"/> Not long afterwards, in 1926, the [[1926 United Kingdom general strike|General Strike]] saw production suspended at half of the town's mills and 12,000&nbsp;unemployed.<ref name="ATaylor 1"/> There was another slump in 1928, and then another strike in 1929 after employers requested a 12% wage cut; 40,000&nbsp;cotton workers went on strike for a week and eight more mills closed, making it 28&nbsp;closures in six years.<ref name="ATaylor 1"/> By the start of 1930, 50&nbsp;mills had shut down and 21,000&nbsp;people were unemployed.<ref name="ATaylor 1"/> A sharp financial crisis late in 1931 led to 24,000&nbsp;unemployed, with 1,000&nbsp;houses and 166&nbsp;shops lying empty in the town.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1680&language=eng |title=Financial Crisis |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> A total of 26 mills closed down between 1930 and 1934.<ref name="ATaylor 1"/> The industry experienced a short post-war boom between 1948-50, during which sales increased, industry training methods improved, and new automatic looms were introduced; allowing a single weaver to control 20 to 25&nbsp;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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1681&language=eng |title=Post-War Boom |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> Despite the post-war boom, the cotton industry continued to decline and by 1951 "25% of the town's population were employed in textiles as opposed to the 60% employed in the industry up to the start of the [[Great Depression]], twenty-two years earlier".<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;83.</ref> In 1952, the number of weavers in the town fell from 10,890 to 9,020.<ref name="Cottontown 50s">{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1682&language=eng |title=1950s Decline |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> By 1955 more cloth was being imported from India than was being exported there,<ref name="Cottontown 50s"/> and between 1955&ndash;58 another 16&nbsp;mills closed. In 1959, due partly to the re-organisation of the textile industry resulting from that year's [[Act of parliament|Textiles Act]], another 17&nbsp;mills closed.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;87.</ref> By 1960 there were 30&nbsp;mills left operating in Blackburn.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;91.</ref> Closures continued in the 1960s with, for example, the Parkside, Fountains, Malvern and Pioneer Mills shutting in 1964.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;94.</ref> In 1967 the Eclipse Mill at Feniscowles closed, unable to compete with imported cloth sold at 9d cheaper per yard than the mill could produce it. By the end of that year there were 26&nbsp;mills left operating in Blackburn.<ref name ="Cottontown LC">{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1683&language=eng |title=Local Decline |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> 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&nbsp;jobs.<ref name="Taylor A"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1684&language=eng |title=The End of an Industry |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> The following statistic gives some idea of the rate of decline of Blackburn's cotton industry: in 1976 there were 2,100&nbsp;looms still operating, from a peak of 79,405 in 1907.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=345 |title=20th Century Changes: Production and Decline |accessdate=2008-05-19 |work=Cotton Town |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council}}</ref> ==Governance== :''This section describes the organisation of government in the area. For information on party politics and local issues see the section on [[Blackburn#Politics|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 [[British House of Commons|House of Commons]]. ===Local government=== {{main|Blackburn with Darwen|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, the next such period being 2009. 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. 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.<ref name="auditcomm">[http://cpa.audit-commission.gov.uk/STCCScorecard.aspx?TaxID=LG-LV-BLAWDBC Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council Comprehensive Performance Assessment (CPA) scorecard 2007], [[Audit Commission]], Retrieved on [[5 July]] [[2008]].</ref> Despite generally good performance, overall user satisfaction levels with the council are below average and not improving.<ref name="auditcomm"/> The borough was awarded [[Beacon Council]] status and shares its best practice in education policy with other councils as part of the scheme. ===Parliamentary representation=== The [[Blackburn (UK Parliament constituency)|historic constituency of Blackburn]] was created for the [[United Kingdom general election, 1832|1832 general election]] and sent two [[Member of Parliament|MPs]] to Westminster. It was abolished in [[United Kingdom general election, 1950|1950]] and replaced for one parliamentary term by two new single-member constituencies, [[Blackburn East (UK Parliament constituency)|Blackburn East]] and [[Blackburn West (UK Parliament constituency)|Blackburn West]]. At the [[United Kingdom general election, 1955|1955 general election]], Blackburn East and Blackburn West were merged into the [[Blackburn (UK Parliament constituency)|modern-day constituency]], returning a single [[Member of Parliament|MP]]. === Coat of arms === [[Image:BlackburnCoatOfArms.jpg|thumb|right|Arms of the former Blackburn Borough Council on display in the [[town hall]]]] The [[coat of arms]] of the former Blackburn Borough Council has many distinctive emblems.<ref name="coatofarms1">[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.6933 The Crests of Blackburn and Darwen], [[Blackburn with Darwen Council]], Retrieved on [[16 April]] [[2008]]</ref> The arms displays 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 (heraldry)|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. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council website provides the following information about the coat of arms: {{quote|Three bees in flight. The bee is an emblem of skill, perseverance and industry. “B” also stands for Blackburn; and further, as the Peel family sprang from this neighbourhood and bears a bee in flight on its shield, the idea naturally suggests itself that Sir Robert Peel had adopted the Blackburn bee. The shield is silver or white, and thus emblematical of calico, the product of the Blackburn bees. The broad wavy black line represents the Black Brook (Blakewater) on the banks of which the town is built. The silver bugle horn was the crest of the first Mayor of Blackburn, William Henry Hornby, Esq. It is also the emblem of strength. The gold lozenges, or fusils (diamond shaped), are the heraldic emblems of spinning, derived from the Latin “fusus” or “fusilium,” meaning a spindle, and they refer to the invention of the “Spinning Jenny” in 1864 by James Hargreaves, a native of the district. They also denote the connection of Joseph Feilden, Esq., with Blackburn, as Lord of the Manor, as he bore lozenges on his shield. The background of green is there to remind us of the time when Blackburn was one of the Royal Forests in the time of Edward the Confessor. The shuttle is the emblem of weaving, the trade which has contributed more than any other to the prosperity of the town. The dove taking wing with an olive branch in her beak (the emblem of peace) attached to the thread of the shuttle, represents the beneficial results emanating from the art of weaving.<ref name="coatofarms1"/>}} ==Politics== Blackburn council and its successor have been predominantly controlled by the [[The Labour Party (UK)|Labour Party]] since 1945 and continuously for 19 years until May 2007 when it fell into [[no overall control]].<ref>[http://archive.lancashireeveningtelegraph.co.uk/2007/5/4/989950.html Shocked Labour loses control of Blackburn with Darwen], David Bartlett, ''[[Lancashire Telegraph]]'', [[4 May]] [[2007]], Retrieved on [[5 July]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/static/uk_politics/vote2000/locals/10.stm |title=UK Politics: Local Elections 2000: Blackburn with Darwen |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> 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".<ref>[http://ukpollingreport.co.uk/guide/seat-profiles/blackburn Blackburn Election Guide], UKPollingReport, Retrieved on [[12 April]] [[2008]].</ref> The sitting MP is current [[Secretary of State for Justice]] and former [[Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs|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. ===The far right=== 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 [[British National Party]] (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.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/farright/story/0,11981,845853,00.html|title=BNP snatches council seat in Straw constituency|author=Ward, David|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=2002-11-23|accessdate=2008-07-05}}</ref> The incumbent [[Liberal Democrats]] were pushed into third place behind [[Labour Party (UK)|Labour]]. Although plans had been blocked by the time of the poll, proposals to convert a nursing home in the ward into a centre for [[asylum seeker]]s were seen as a key election issue.<ref>{{cite news|title=Straw condemns BNP after victory in his backyard|author= Wilson, Graeme and Powell, Adam|work=[[Daily Mail]]|publisher=Associated Newspapers Ltd|date=2002-11-23}}</ref> 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 [[London Borough of Tower Hamlets|Tower Hamlets]] nearly ten years before.<ref>{{cite news|title=BNP wins seat on East End council after recount|author=Braid, Mary and Walker, Nick|work=[[The Independent]]|publisher=Independent News and Media|date=1993-09-17}}</ref> Commenting on the elections, Blackburn MP [[Jack Straw (politician)|Jack Straw]] said: "It is very sad. We had the far right in Blackburn 26&nbsp;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."<ref>{{cite news|title=BNP secures three seats|author=Higginson, David|publisher=[[Newsquest]] Media Group|date=2002-11-27}}</ref> Blackburn had two council members from the [[National Party (UK, 1976)|National Party]] in the 1970s. Although some towns in the [[Northern England|North of England]] suffered [[race riots]] in the summer of 2001, the streets of Blackburn remained quiet. ===Other political events=== 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."<ref>[http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/newsheadlines/display.var.954145.0.straw_in_plea_to_muslim_women_take_off_your_veils.php Straw in plea to Muslim women: Take off your veils], David Bartlett, ''[[Lancashire Telegraph]]'', [[5 October]] [[2006]], Retrieved on [[5 July]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5410472.stm |title=Straw asks women for veil rethink |date=2006-10-05 |publisher=BBC News |accessdate=2008-07-05}}</ref> ==Geography== {{climate chart |Blackburn |1|6|70 |1|7|50 |3|9|60 |4|12|50 |7|15|60 |10|18|70 |12|20|70 |12|20|80 |10|17|70 |8|14|80 |4|9|80 |2|7|80 |source={{cite web|url=http://weather.yahoo.com/climo/UKXX1036.html|publisher=Yahoo! Weather|date=2007|title=Records and averages}} |float=right }} At {{coor dms|54|44|41|N|2|28|37|W|city}} (53.7449°, -2.4769°), and {{convert|184|mi|km|0}} north-northwest of [[London]], Blackburn stands {{convert|401|ft|m|0|lk=on}} above [[sea level]], {{convert|8.9|mi|km|1}} east of [[Preston]] and {{convert|20|mi|km|1}} north-northeast of [[Manchester]]. The [[Ribble Valley]] and [[West Pennine Moors]] lie to the north and south respectively. Blackburn experiences a [[temperate]] [[Oceanic climate|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. [[Image:BlackburnDarwenSpace.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Blackburn and the southern town of [[Darwen]] as viewed from space by the [[Landsat 7]] satellite (false colour image)]] Although the city of Preston, the administrative centre for the county, is located about {{convert|9.2|mi}} 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. Around {{convert|2.5|mi}} to the north of the town centre, is the village/suburb of [[Wilpshire]], with the village of [[Langho]] approximately {{convert|1.2|mi}} further to the north west. A number of even smaller localities are sometimes considered extended suburbs of Blackburn, including [[Rishton]] to the east, [[Great Harwood]] to the north east and [[Mellor, Lancashire|Mellor]] to the north west. Rishton, Great Harwood and Accrington are part of the [[local government district]] of [[Hyndburn]]. {{convert|11|mi}} further to the east lies the town of [[Burnley]].<ref>[http://local.google.com/?ie=UTF8&z=12&ll=53.739371,-2.477074&spn=0.084474,0.346069&om=1 Map of Blackburn and surrounding region], ''[[Google Maps]]''; [http://www.recpath.com/Free/GMap.html RecPath] used for distances.</ref> ===Geology and terrain=== [[Image:BlackburnViewFromTank.jpg|thumb|300px|right|View north over Lammack and Pleckgate from one of the highest points in Blackburn at the site of the old water tank at Revidge <small>(click to enlarge)</small>]]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 {{convert|715|ft|0}} above [[sea level]]. To the west, the wooded Billinge Hill in [[Witton Country Park]] is {{convert|804|ft|0}} high, while [[Royal Blackburn Hospital]] is situated to the east of the town at a vantage point of {{convert|663|ft|0}}.<ref>[http://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/oswebsite/getamap/ Blackburn], Ordnance Survey Get-a-map, Retrieved on [[27 October]] [[2006]]</ref> These figures can be considered in the context of other hills and mountains in Lancashire, including [[Great Hill]] at {{convert|1496|ft|0}}, [[Winter Hill (Lancashire)|Winter Hill]] at {{convert|1496|ft|0}}, [[Pendle Hill]] at {{convert|1827|ft|0}} and [[Green Hill (Lancashire)|Green Hill]] {{convert|2060|ft|0}}. The [[River Blakewater]], which gives its names to the town, flows down from the moors above [[Guide, Lancashire|Guide]] and then through the areas of [[Whitebirk]], Little Harwood, Cob Wall and Brookhouse to the town centre. The river was [[culvert]]ed 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]]. [[Image:BlackburnCoalPit.jpg|thumb|right|Sketch of [[coal mining]] equipment on Coalpit Moor, formerly known as Blackburn Moor, from 1846]] The geology of the Blackburn area yields numerous resources which underpinned its development as a centre of manufacturing during the Industrial Revolution. [[mining|Mineable]] [[coal seam]]s have been used since the mid-late 16th century.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=1251&language=eng|title=Coal mining in Blackburn with Darwen|work=Cotton Town|publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council|accessdate=2006-10-27}}</ref> The [[coal measure]]s in the area lie on a bed of [[millstone grit]], which has been [[quarry|quarried]] in the past for [[millstone]]s 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?pageid=564&language=eng |title=Geography and geology|work=Cotton Town|publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council|accessdate=2006-10-27}}</ref> The Blackburn area was subjected to [[glaciation]] during the [[Pleistocene|Pleistocene ice age]], and the [[sandstone]]-and-[[shale]] bedrock is overlain in much of the area by [[glacial deposit]]s 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.<ref>[http://www.grimshaworigin.org/WebPages/GeolBlak.htm Geology of the Blackburn Area], Grimshaw Origins and History, 2000</ref><ref>[http://lancashire.gov.uk/environment/landscape/landscapecharacass/contents.asp A Landscape Strategy for Lancashire - Landscape Character Assessment], Lancashire County Council</ref><ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/upload/doc/contaminated_land.doc Contaminated land inspection strategy]. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Retrieved on [[6 July]] [[2008]].</ref> ==Demography== According to the [[Politics of the United Kingdom|UK Government's]] [[United Kingdom Census 2001|2001 census]], Blackburn, defined as an urban area, had a population of 105,085 and a population density of {{Pop density mi2 to km2|11114|precision=0|abbr=yes}}.<ref name="Census KS01"/> According to further statistics from the same census, this time defining Blackburn as a [[United Kingdom constituencies|Westminster parliamentary constituency]], the town was 69.22% [[White British]] (national average for [[England]] 89.99%) with significant [[India]]n (14.31%) and [[Pakistan]]i (11.45%) ethnic minorities.<ref name="Census KS06">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=6021228&c=blackburn&d=27&e=15&g=388646&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1211121501156&enc=1&dsFamilyId=47 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Ethnic Group (KS06)], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[18 March]] [[2008]].</ref> 12.33% of the population was born outside the [[European Union]].<ref name="Census KS05">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=6021228&c=blackburn&d=27&e=15&g=388646&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1211121501156&enc=1&dsFamilyId=11 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Country of Birth (KS05)], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[18 March]] [[2008]].</ref> In terms of [[religion]], 57.53% of residents were [[Christianity|Christian]] (average for England 71.74%), 25.74% [[Islam|Muslim]] (average for England 3.1%) and 15.98% no religion or not stated.<ref name="Census KS07">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=6021228&c=blackburn&d=27&e=15&g=388646&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1211121501171&enc=1&dsFamilyId=17 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Religion (KS07)], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[18 March]] [[2008]].</ref> With regard to the economic activity of those aged 16&ndash;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%).<ref name="Census KS09A">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=6021228&c=blackburn&d=27&e=15&g=388646&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1211121501156&enc=1&dsFamilyId=21 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Economic Activity (KS09A)], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[18 March]] [[2008]].</ref> 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).<ref name="Census UV50">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=6021228&c=blackburn&d=27&e=10&g=388646&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1211128991717&enc=1&dsFamilyId=141 2001 Census: Key Statistics, Approximated Social Grade (UV50)], [[Office for National Statistics]]. Retrieved on [[18 March]] [[2008]].</ref> == Economy == 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]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.11157 |title=Waterloo Pavilions |publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council |accessdate=2008-07-05}}</ref> [[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&nbsp;shops and 400&nbsp;further outlets close by.<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.6442&viewPage=3 Tourism in Blackburn with Darwen: Shopping], Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, [[8 November]] [[2005]], Retrieved on [[2 May]] [[2006]].</ref> Blackburn Markets are situated opposite the mall on its Ainsworth Street side. First opened in 1964, they are comprised of 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 Group|Peel]] Leisure and Retail Park are more recent developments. The markets continue to offer a wide range of local produce—Lancashire cheeses, [[tripe]], Bowland beef and lamb can all be found. There is also Walsh's [[Sarsaparilla]] stall. The markets are expected to move into the Mall shopping centre in 2010, and to open six days a week.<ref>{{cite news|first=Tom|last=Moseley|title=Market site 'not for supermarket'|work=Lancashire Telegraph|publisher=Newsquest Media Group|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/1992085.market_site_not_for_supermarket/|date=2008-02-24|accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> Major employers in Blackburn include: [[BAE Systems]] ([[Samlesbury Aerodrome]] site, located at [[Balderstone]], northwest of Blackburn); [http://www.blackburn.gov.uk Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council]; and the [[East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust]] (based at the Royal Blackburn Hospital). ==Transport== [[Image:Blackburn Railway Station.jpg|thumb|right|[[Blackburn railway station]]]] The [[M65 motorway]] passes to the south of Blackburn. It runs from [[Colne]], about {{convert|17|mi|1}} north-east of Blackburn, to a point close to the village of [[Lostock Hall]] near [[Preston]], about {{convert|12|mi|1}} 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, Lancashire|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 motorway|M61]] and junction 29 of the [[M6 motorway|M6]]. Other major roads in and around Blackburn include the [[A666 road|A666]] and the [[A677 road|A677]]. The A666 runs from the [[A59 road|A59]] near the village of [[Langho]], approximately {{convert|3.7|mi|1}} 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 road|A6]]. The A677 runs from the east part of Blackburn, about {{convert|1.5|mi|1}} 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 {{convert|5.5|mi|1}} west of Blackburn, approximately halfway between Blackburn and Preston. Blackburn's [[Blackburn railway station|newly redeveloped train station]] is in the town centre, and is served by [[Northern Rail]]. The nearest train station on the [[West Coast Main Line]] is in [[Preston railway station|Preston]]. [[Blackpool International Airport]], about {{convert|23|mi}} to the west, is Blackburn's nearest airport.<ref name=Airports>{{cite web |title=Local area airports |url=http://www.upmystreet.com/local/transport/airports/l/Blackburn-3520.html |publisher=UpMyStreet.com |accessdate=2008-07-10}}</ref> [[Manchester Airport]], the busiest airport in the UK outside London,<ref>{{cite news |first=James |last=Wilson |title=A busy hub of connectivity |work=[[Financial Times]] &ndash; FT report &ndash; doing business in Manchester and the NorthWest |publisher=The Financial Times Limited|date=[[26 April]] [[2007]]}}</ref> is about {{convert|28|mi}} to the southeast of the town.<ref name=Airports /> == Landmarks== ===Cathedral=== [[Image:BlackburnCathedralFront.jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[Blackburn Cathedral]] sits in the middle of the town centre]] [[Blackburn Cathedral]] was formerly [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|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.<ref>Duckworth and Halsall (2002), p.&nbsp;25.</ref> Between the 1930s and 1960s an enlarged cathedral was built using the existing building as the nave.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?LANGUAGE=eng&pageID=1339|title=Blackburn Cathedral|work=Cotton Town|publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council|accessdate=2008-05-20}}</ref> Six of the cathedral's bells were cast in 1737 and are claimed to have been cast from even older bells.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;9.</ref> 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. ===Ewood Park=== {{main|Ewood Park}} Ewood Park stadium has been the home of [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] football club since they moved there from Leamington Road in 1890. The ground was officially opened on [[13 September]] that year.<ref>Jackman (2006), pp.&nbsp;29&ndash;30.</ref> 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.<ref>Jackman (2006), pp.&nbsp;181&ndash;187.</ref> With a capacity of 31,367,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.worldstadiums.com/europe/countries/united_kingdom/england/north_west.shtml| work=World Stadiums|title=Stadiums in England: North West|accessdate=2008-05-29}}</ref> the facility currently 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.<ref>[http://www.northcoteattherovers.com/index.htm Northcote at the Rovers], Conference and Banqueting website, Retrieved on [[12 May]] [[2008]]</ref> [[Image:Statue of Queen Victoria in Blackburn.jpg|thumb|upright|left|Blackburn's Statue of Queen Victoria with the cathedral in the background]] ===Queen Victoria's statue=== Blackburn's statue of [[Victoria of the United Kingdom|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 [[September 30]] [[1905]]. It was sculpted by Australian sculptor Sir Bertram McKennal out of white Sicilian [[marble]] and stands on a grey [[granite]] plinth.<ref>Taylor (2000), p.&nbsp;20.</ref> The statue is {{convert|11|ft|1}} high and weighs {{convert|9|long ton|1|abbr=off|lk=on}}, while the plinth is {{convert|14|ft|1}} high and weighs {{convert|30|long ton|1|abbr=off}}.<ref>Duckworth and Halsall (2002), p.&nbsp;24.</ref> ===Town hall=== [[Image:Town Hall Blackburn Lancashire.jpg|thumb|upright|right|The italianate 19th-century town hall and its 1960s counterpart—the reclad new town hall]] The construction of Blackburn's original, [[renaissance architecture|Italian renaissance style]] town hall was completed in 1856 at a cost of £35,000,<ref>Beattie (2007), p.&nbsp;139.</ref> equivalent to about £1.5&nbsp;million as at 2008.<ref name=CC>{{cite web |title=Currency converter |publisher=The National Archives | url=http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/currency/ |accessdate=2008-07-08}}</ref> The architect was James Paterson and the contractors were Richard Hacking and William Stones. It originally housed a police station with 18&nbsp;cells, a large assembly room, and a council chamber.<ref>Duckworth (2005), p.&nbsp;20.</ref> A tower block extension was constructed in 1969 at a cost of £650,000, equal to about £6.6&nbsp;million as at 2008.<ref name=CC /> 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 {{convert|198|ft|0}} high and the top was {{convert|545|ft|0}} {{convert|9|in|cm|0}} above sea-level when built,<ref>Burrow, J & Co. (Eds.) (1970), p.&nbsp;16.</ref> although it has since been re-clad and these figures may have altered slightly. [[Image:Technical School Building Blackburn Lancashire.jpg|thumb|left|Blackburn's 19th-century Technical School]] ===Technical school=== 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 rennaissance style and has a slate roof, an attic, a basement, and two intermediate storeys. Made mainly of red brick and yellow [[Terra cotta|terracotta]], it is profusely decorated and features ornate [[gable]]s, a round arched entrance with angle [[turret]]s 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.<ref>Beattie (2007), pp.&nbsp;197&ndash;198.</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cottontown.org/page.cfm?language=eng&pageID=1401|title=Blackburn Technical School|work=Cotton Town|publisher=Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council|accessdate=2008-04-24}}</ref><ref>Timmins (1993), plate&nbsp;161.</ref> ===Other landmarks=== The Wainwright bridge was opened in June 2008.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/3183883.Blackburn_s_Wainwright_bridge_opens_to_traffic/ | title=Blackburn's Wainwright bridge opens to traffic | date=2008-06-27 | last=Moseley | first=Tom | work=[[Lancashire Telegraph]] | publisher=[[Newsquest Media Group]] | accessdate=2008-06-29}}</ref> The £12&nbsp;million [[bowstring arch bridge]] crosses the [[East Lancashire Line|East Lancashire]] and [[Ribble Valley Line|Ribble Valley]] railway lines west of the town centre and forms part of the [[A6078 road|A6078]] Town Centre Orbital Route. The bridge is named after [[Alfred Wainwright]] following a vote by the townspeople.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/lancashire/6916943.stm | title=Steel brought in for £9m bridge | date=2007-07-26 | publisher=[[BBC]] | accessdate=2008-05-19 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/2008/3/31/1091588.html | title=Wainwright remembered with new bridge | date=2008-03-31 | publisher=[[Newsquest Media Group]] | work=[[Lancashire Telegraph]] | accessdate=2008-05-19 }}</ref> [[Image:King-Georges-Hall.jpg|thumb|right|King George's Hall, Blackburn]] [[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 {{convert|24|foot|m|1}} 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. ==Community facilities== ===Parks=== [[Image:Corporation Park Conservatory Blackburn Lancashire.jpg|thumb|Corporation Park's conservatory, which dates from 1900<ref name="Duckworth p75">Duckworth (2005), p.&nbsp;75.</ref>]] [[Corporation Park, Blackburn|Corporation Park]], to the northwest of the town centre, was built on {{convert|50|acre|km2|lk=on}} of land purchased from Joseph Fielden, lord of the manor, for £50 per {{convert|1|acre|ha|lk=on}} 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.<ref>Duckworth (2005), p.&nbsp;65.</ref> A conservatory was opened in the park on [[16 May]] [[1900]].<ref name="Duckworth p75"/> 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 green]]s, two tennis courts, a lake of over {{convert|3|acre|ha}}, a children's paddling pool, a bandstand, and a refreshment room. Two additional bowling greens and a pavilion were added in 1932.<ref>Duckworth (2005), pp.&nbsp;78&ndash;79.</ref> [[Image:Queens Park Lake Blackburn Lancashire.jpg|thumb|left|The main lake in Queen's Park]] [[Witton Country Park]] is a {{convert|480|acre|km2}} space to the west of the town. The land was purchased in 1946 and was the ancestral home of the Fielden family. It is larger than all the town's other parks and playing fields put together.<ref name="Duckworth p79">Duckworth (2005), p.&nbsp;79.</ref> 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 of the United Kingdom|George V]]. It was originally a {{convert|16|acre|ha}} site with five tennis courts and three bowling greens.<ref name="Duckworth p79"/> The borough council's website describes the park as a {{convert|17|acre|ha}} "urban fringe park with bowling greens, kick around area and children's playground".<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.14432&viewPage=1 Roe Lee Park]. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. Retrieved on [[5 June]] [[2008]].</ref> In 2007, all four parks described above were winners of [[Green Flag award|Green Flag Awards]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Parks awarded prestigious Green Flags|publisher=Newsquest Media Group|url=http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/search/1550257.Parks_awarded_prestigious_Green_Flags/|work=Lancashire Telegraph|date=2007-07-17|accessdate=2008-07-06}}</ref> ===Libraries=== 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."<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=nav.226 Libraries], Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on [[4 July]] [[2008]].</ref> 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".<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.8428&viewPage=1 Blackburn Central Library], Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on [[4 July]] [[2008]].</ref> Blackburn also has smaller libraries serving the Mill Hill, Livesey and Roman Road parts of the town, as well as a mobile library service.<ref>[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=nav.227 Our Libraries], Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Retrieved on [[4 July]] [[2008]].</ref> == Education == :''See [[List of schools in Blackburn]]'' Over £25 million is currently being invested in education initiatives including new schools, city learning centres, children's centres and an [[Academy (England)|Academy]] in Darwen in partnership with the Rodney Aldridge Trust. Over 11,000 adults are in some form of educational programme.<ref name="lifelonglearning"/> [[Blackburn with Darwen]] council has twice had Beacon Status for education in the "Fostering School Improvement" and "Transforming the School Workforce" categories.<ref name="lifelonglearning">[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=nav.157 Education and lifelong learning], [[Blackburn with Darwen Council]], Retrieved on [[14 April]] [[2008]]</ref> 51.3% of pupils achieve grades A*-C in Blackburn with Darwen compared with 56.5% nationally.<ref name="edu-stats">[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=3&b=276819&c=blackburn&d=13&e=5&g=388684&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1208190643287&enc=1 Key Figures for Education, Skills and Training], [[Office for National Statistics]], Retrieved on [[14 April]] [[2008]]</ref> The average GCE/VCE A/AS and Equivalent Point Score per Student is 649.7 compared with 716.7 nationally.<ref name="edu-stats"/> Tauheedul Islam Girls' High School, in Blackburn, became the first Muslim [[state school]] in the North West. It was originally independent but its status changed in 2005.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://archive.chorleycitizen.co.uk/2005/6/17/432031.html | title=School celebrates new funded status | date=2005-06-17 | accessdate=2008-03-03 | work=[[Lancashire Evening Telegraph]] | publisher=[[Newsquest Media Group]] }}</ref> It has been a success in [[school league tables]], with a high score for [[contextual value added]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/education/07/school_tables/secondary_schools/html/889_va_lea.stm | title=Secondary schools in Blackburn with Darwen: CVA score | date=2008-01-10 | accessdate=2008-03-03 | publisher=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/5078504.stm | title=School choice 'means classroom ghettos' | first=Mark | last=Easton | date=2006-06-14 | accessdate=2008-03-03 | publisher=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> 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.<ref name="school">[http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/server.php?show=ConWebDoc.15376 Blackburn with Darwen Schools], [[Blackburn with Darwen]], Retrieved on [[14 April]] [[2008]]</ref> There are plans being developed for a university campus in the town.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/7274729.stm | title=Campuses planned for 20 towns | date=2008-03-03 | accessdate=2008-03-03 | publisher=[[BBC News]] }}</ref> ==Sports== === Blackburn Rovers and football === {{main|Blackburn Rovers F.C.}} [[Image:Ewood Jack Walker Stand.jpg|thumb|upright|right|Ewood Park's Jack Walker stand]] [[FA Premier League|Premier League]] [[Football (soccer)|Football]] side [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]] is based at the [[Ewood Park]] stadium. The club has done much to raise the profile of the town, winning the [[FA Premier League|Premier League]] in 1995 and the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] in 2002. 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 [[FA Premier League|Premier League]] in 1992, the majority of Blackburn Rovers' success was pre-1930 when they won the league twice and [[FA Cup]] six times.<ref>[http://www.premierleague.com/page/blackburn-rovers Blackburn Rovers club profile]. www.premierleague.com. Retrieved on [[29 May]] [[2008]].</ref> 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.]], amongst 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.<ref>Jackman (2006), p.&nbsp;173.</ref> He lured former [[Liverpool F.C.|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 F.A. Premier League at the end of the 1991&ndash;1992 season.<ref>Jackman (2006), pp.&nbsp;175&ndash;179.</ref> 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.<ref>Jackman (2006), p.&nbsp;179.</ref> After finishing runners-up to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] in 1993&ndash;1994, Rovers won the championship the following year.<ref>Jackman (2006), pp.&nbsp;182&ndash;185</ref> A slump followed in the late 1990s and Blackburn were relegated to [[Football League First Division|League Division One]]. But in 2001 the team secured promotion back into the Premier League, and they won the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] in 2002.<ref>Jackman (2006), pp.&nbsp;201&ndash;204</ref> ==Cultural references== Blackburn is mentioned in the [[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."<ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/03/31/rice.backburn/index.html Musical mystery solved on tour]. www.cnn.com. Retrieved on [[30 May]] [[2008]].</ref> The title of the unofficial [[fanzine]] of the town's football club, [[Blackburn Rovers F.C.|Blackburn Rovers]], is ''4,000 Holes''. The 2005 British film ''[[Love + Hate]]'', directed by Dominic Savage, was shot in Blackburn.<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0471018/ Love + Hate]", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on [[May 10]] [[2008]].</ref><ref>"[http://www.bbc.co.uk/films/2006/04/28/love_and_hate_2006_review.shtml Love + Hate - film review]", [[BBC]] website. Retrieved on [[May 10]] [[2008]].</ref> == Notable people == [[Image:John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn - Project Gutenberg eText 17976.jpg|thumb|upright|right|[[John Morley]], British [[Liberal Party (UK)|Liberal]] [[statesman]], [[writer]] and newspaper editor, was born in Blackburn in 1838]] People, involved in the arts, born in the town include: the actress [[Kathleen Harrison]] in 1892;<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0365692/bio Biography for Kathleen Harrison]", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on [[14 May]] [[2006]]</ref> [[Alfred Wainwright]], author of the ''[[Pictorial Guides to the Lakeland Fells]]'', in 1907; broadcaster [[Russell Harty]] in 1934; the writer [[Josephine Cox]] in 1941 who set many of her novels in [[Lancashire]]; the actor [[Anthony Valentine]] in 1939; the actor [[Michael Billington (actor)|Michael Billington]], star of [[UFO (TV series)|UFO]] in 1941; actor [[Ian McShane]] in 1942;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/faces/ian_mcshane.shtml |title=Ian McShane |publisher=BBC |accessdate=2008-07-04}}</ref> actor [[Jon Walmsley]] in 1956; film maker [[Michael Winterbottom]] in 1961;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.thisislancashire.co.uk/2001/8/27/660923.html |title=Essential facts on Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School, Blackburn|work=This Is Lancashire |date=2001-08-27 |publisher=Newsquest Media Group |accessdate=2006-05-14}}</ref> actor [[Steve Pemberton]] in 1967;<ref>"[http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0671487/ Steve Pemberton]", The Internet Movie Database. Retrieved on [[6 September]] [[2006]].</ref> actress [[Wendi Peters]] in 1968; actor/comedian [[Lee Mack]] in 1968; and television presenter and documentary director [[Michael Gibson (TV presenter)|Michael Gibson]] in 1980. Notable sports personalities born in Blackburn include: rock climber [[John Sumner]] in 1936;<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4158/is_20040313/ai_n12770302 |title=John Sumner obituary |last=Wells |first=Colin |date=[[13 March]] [[2004]] |work=The Independent |accessdate=2008-07-05}}</ref> and England [[rugby union]] player [[Will Greenwood]] in 1972. Additionally the motor racing engine designer [[Keith Duckworth]] was born here in 1933. In the political arena, [[John Morley, 1st Viscount Morley of Blackburn]], [[Order of Merit|OM]], [[Privy Council|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&ndash;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. == References == ===Notes=== {{reflist|2}} ===Bibliography=== {{refbegin}} * {{cite book|author=Abram, W. A.|title=A History of Blackburn Town & Parish|edition=Limited second edition reprint|publisher=T.H.C.L. Books|year=1990|origyear=1877|isbn=0-948494-10-7|}} * {{cite book|author=Allin, David|title=Blackburn Since 1900|isbn=0-948946-18-0|}} * {{cite book|author=Baggoley, M.|title=Blackburn in Old Photographs|publisher=Sutton Publishing|year=1996|isbn=0-7509-1262-6|}} * {{cite book|author=Beattie, Derek|title=Blackburn: The Development of a Lancashire Cotton Town|publisher=Keele University Press|year=1992|isbn=1-85331-021-2|}} * {{cite book|author=Beattie, Derek|title=Blackburn: A History by Derek Beattie|publisher=Carnegie Publishing|year=2007|isbn=1-85936-113-7|}} * {{cite book|author=Burrow, J and Co. (Eds.)|title=Blackburn: Official Handbook|publisher=Cheltenham and London|year=1960}} * {{cite book|author=Burrow, J and Co. (Eds.)|title=Blackburn: Official Handbook|publisher=Cheltenham and London|year=1970|isbn=0-85026-110-4}} * {{cite book|author=Cole, Matthew|title=Blackburn's Shops at the Turn of the Century|publisher=Landy Publishing Company|year=1996|isbn=1-872895-28-X|}} * {{cite book|author=Duckworth, Alan|title=Blackburn: Town and City memories|publisher=The Francis Frith Collection|year=2005|isbn=1-85937-986-9|}} * {{cite book|author=Duckworth, Alan and Halsall, Jim|title=Blackburn in Focus|publisher=Landy Publishing Company|year=2002|isbn=1-87289-558-1|}} * {{cite book|author=Halsall, Jim|title=Blackburn in Times Gone By|publisher=Landy Publishing Company|year=1998|isbn=1-872895-39-5|}} * {{cite book|author=Jackman, Mike|title=Blackburn Rovers: An Illustrated History|publisher=The Breedon Books Publishing Company|year=2006|isbn=1-85983-475-2|}} * {{cite book|author=Miller, Geo. C.|title=Blackburn: the Evolution of a Cotton Town|edition=Limited second edition reprint|publisher=T.H.C.L. Books|location=Blackburn|year=1992|origyear=1951|isbn=0-948494-18-2|}} * {{cite book|author=Seabrook, Jeremy|title=City Close-up: Blackburn|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|year=1973|isbn=0-14-003721-7|}} * {{cite book|author=Taylor, Andrew|title=20th Century Blackburn|publisher=Wharncliffe Books|year=2000|isbn=1-871647-89-4|}} * {{cite book|author=Timmins, Geoffrey|title=Blackburn: A Pictorial History|publisher=Phillimore and Co.|year=1993|isbn=0-85033-865-4}} * {{cite book|author=Turner, William|title=RIOT!: The Story of the East Lancashire Loom-Breakers|publisher=Lancashire County Books|year=1992|isbn=1-871236-17-7}} * {{cite book|author=Woodruff, William|title=Billy Boy: The Story of a Lancashire Weaver's Son|publisher=Edinburgh University Press|year=1993|isbn=1-85331-047-6|}} * {{cite book|author=Woodruff, William|title=The Road to Nab End: A Lancashire Childhood|publisher=Abacus|year= 2002|isbn=0-349-11521-4|others=This is a later and retitled edition of Woodruff (1993)}} {{refend}} == External links == {{Commons_cat|Blackburn}} * [http://www.blackburn.gov.uk/ Blackburn with Darwen Council], The website of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council. * [http://www.cottontown.org www.cottontown.org], A website documenting the history of Blackburn with Darwen as influenced by the development of the cotton trade. * [http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/ Lancashire Telegraph], The daily newspaper based in Blackburn. {{Lancashire}} [[Category:Blackburn|Blackburn]] [[Category:Towns in Lancashire]] [[Category:West Pennine Moors]] [[Category:Articles including recorded pronunciations (UK English)]] [[be-x-old:Блэкбэрн]] [[cs:Blackburn]] [[de:Blackburn]] [[es:Blackburn (Lancashire)]] [[fr:Blackburn (Lancashire)]] [[id:Blackburn]] [[it:Blackburn]] [[nl:Blackburn]] [[no:Blackburn]] [[pl:Blackburn (Anglia)]] [[pt:Blackburn]] [[ro:Blackburn]] [[ru:Блэкберн]] [[simple:Blackburn]] [[fi:Blackburn]] [[sv:Blackburn]] [[zh:布莱克本]]