WHAT a great pity it was that when Blackburn's town centre was replaced by the modern precinct, so many of the interesting, historic buildings and places were destroyed without first making adequate histories and notes about them, including photographs.

I have tried to obtain details of Cort Street, particularly the Victoria Hotel, which had a very interesting history and was first recorded in 1858.

I am particularly interested in obtaining a photograph of this hotel for a history which I am writing.

I have advertised in your paper, had it broadcast on local Radio Lancashire, explored the museum and reference library, bought many books and spoken to local historians without success.

Can anyone help?

E HARFLETT, 6 Northbank Avenue, Blackburn

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.