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
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.
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
Darwen Street Bridge
Darwen Street Bridge as you approach the town centre
Blackburn Market Place
Blackburn Market Place, Victoria Street side. It is a non-market day.
Blackburn Market Hall
The interior of the Market Hall. The Palatine café was very popular with the shoppers of Blackburn
Blackburn Subscription Bowling Club
1952; Blackburn Subscription Bowling Club
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
Harrison’s Institute
Harrison’s Institute, Invalid Cookery course for Nurses
Holy Trinity Church Parade
Holy Trinity Church Parade walking down Primrose Bank towards Larkhill.
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
Blackburn Open Market
S. Caunce & Sons Fruit & Vegetable stall on Blackburn open market
1951 Carnival
Prize winning float in the 1951 Centenary Celebrations Coming from Blakey Moor onto Northgate. Notice the “Player’s Please” cigarette flag.
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
E. H. Booths
Weights & Measures Inspectors at E. H. Booths at their original grocery store in Blackburn
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.
Blackburn Cathedral
Looking at the north side of Blackburn Cathedral from the old burial ground. The Lantern Tower is still to be built.
Blackburn Cathedral
Blackburn Cathedral taken from the Boulevard in the 1950s. The Extension is just being built.
Holy Trinity Church Procession
Holy Trinity Church Procession of Witness, proceeding along Primrose Bank.
The Grand Theatre
The Grand Theatre on Jubilee Street in the 1950’s
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
Caravan Rally
A Caravan Rally in Witton Park
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
Blackburn Boulevard
Blackburn Boulevard in the 1950’s. The bus shelters have yet to be built. The railway station and Palace Theatre can be seen.
St Jude’s Parade
St Jude’s Parade Leicester Road
Kelsall Avenue, Little Harwood
Council houses on Kelsall Avenue, Little Harwood. The estate was built in 1948-49 near to Philips Road and the Mullards Factory.
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
