Blackburn History

What was Blackburn like in the 1950s?

4 Jun 2022

As we celebrate the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, we have taken a look back at what Blackburn was like in the decade that Princess Elizabeth first became Queen.

All images are courtesy of BwD Council and the cottontown.org project

Blackburn Market Hall

The interior of the Market Hall. The Palatine café was very popular with the shoppers of Blackburn

Blackburn Market

Blackburn Market place from Victoria Street. The street on the right is Market Place. it is a non market day and the market square is being used as a car […]

Leyland Mansion, King Street

Leyland Mansion, King Street. Erected 1745 by William Leyland, founder of the Girls Charity School, Thunder Alley. Later it was the residence of W.H. Hornby.

1951 Carnival

Prize winning float in the 1951 Centenary Celebrations Coming from Blakey Moor onto Northgate. Notice the “Player’s Please” cigarette flag.

Darwen Street Bridge

Darwen Street Bridge as you approach the town centre

Richmond Terrace

Richmond Terrace. When first laid out these Regency Houses were named West Street. Joseph Jardine, a Blackburn Poet was born here in 1819

Whitebirk Power Station

A view of Whitebirk Power Station from across the fields to the South. The fourth and final cooling tower is under construction. December 10 1951

Blackburn Boulevard

A view of a busy Blackburn Boulevard in the 1950’s. The Railway Station is on the right with the Star and Garter public house to the left of it. Syd […]

Montague Street

Looking up Montague Street form the King Street end. The upper part was once known as Branch Road. At the top can be seen the spire of Trinity Wesleyan Chapel.

Caravan Rally

A Caravan Rally in Witton Park

Holy Trinity Church Parade

Holy Trinity Church Parade walking down Primrose Bank towards Larkhill.

Harrison’s Institute

Harrison’s Institute, Invalid Cookery course for Nurses

King William Street

King William Street, formerly known as Livesey Street, it was opened up in 1932, several ancient houses being demolished to give access to the old market place. A policeman was […]

Cardwell Mansion, King Street

Erected in the mid 18 Century. Richard Cardwell lived here, grandfather of Viscount Cardwell, M.P. For Clitheroe in 1842. Now the home of Age UK

Blackburn Market Place

Blackburn Market Place, Victoria Street side. It is a non-market day.

Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral taken from the Boulevard in the 1950s. The Extension is just being built.

St Jude’s Parade

St Jude’s Parade Leicester Road

E. H. Booths

Weights & Measures Inspectors at E. H. Booths at their original grocery store in Blackburn

Blackburn Cathedral

Looking at the north side of Blackburn Cathedral from the old burial ground. The Lantern Tower is still to be built.

Witton House, Witton Park

Witton House, Witton Park in 1956. The house was the home of the Feilden family. The house fell into disrepair. In 1946 the land and House were sold to Blackburn […]