CENTURIES ago, Blackburn was a market town, renowned for its cattle fair on Blakey Moor.

By modern standards the old town was little more than a village, with its houses standing on Northgate, Astley Gate, Darwen Street and Church Street.

Where the last three met, stood the old market cross.

Its industrial history dates back to the middle 1600s when the first textile manufacture was introduced – the weaving of a check cloth composed of linen and cotton.

The period from 1780 to 1880 was one of constant strife between the cotton workers and the mill owners and yet Blackburn was a boom town.

In that era its population grew from its village status to a town of a 100,000 inhabitants.

Over the centuries Blackburn has seen its industry change, its homes modernised and a variety of characters, such as Kathleen Ferrier, whose voice captivated the world, Chad Varah, who founded the Samaritans and battling MP Barbara Castle.

There was Mrs Lewis ,who spent more than 50 years fighting the evils of drink in a town – with a pub on every street corner – which was said to be the “beeriest in the world”.

In 1920 a pint of beer in the Golden Lion in Church Street, cost 2d – with a potato pie or a plate of broth thrown in free. There was a time when a night out cost under 1s.

Today we take a stroll down memory lane to bring you some faces and events from the town’s rich history.

In 1967, a relay team of boys from Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School ran to Windsor Castle, to deliver a birthday message to the Queen.

In this picture the 14 teenagers who made the 215 mile run, are given final instructions by games master Fred Raby. Another picture shows Peter Mitchell, who was deputy head and captain of the cross country team, arrive at the King Henry VIII gate, to hand over the Royal greeting.

Still in school is the class of 1950/51 of Lammack county primary school at Four Lane Ends, Blackburn.

Another picture shows John Fish Ltd, which operated out of Waterfall Mill.

The date is 1951 and the mayor, mayoress and their daughter, watch weaver Mrs L Cowell of Princess Street, who tended 32 automatic looms.

Over a century ago, life expectancy was poor, and here is a whole life insurance policy – industrial – taken out for a child under 10 by its parents.

For the premium of 2d a fortnight, the Blackburn Philanthropic Burial Society, with head offices in King Street and established in 1839, would pay out a maximum of £12 (7s 6d).

Another picture shows engineers building the Bailey Bridge in Witton Park in 1951, for the Royal Agricultural Show being held there.

In 1852 Blackburn gained a charter to set up a mayor and corporation and to provide the planning and facilities needed by the quickly growing town.

The village of Over Darwen quickly followed suit in 1878 and became recognised as the Borough of Darwen.