THIS week marked the 100th anniversary of the death of William Morris, artist, designer and Socialist, who described Burnley as the "pit of degradation".
Historian James Howell has uncovered the little-known fact that in October 1893 Morris visited Burnley with his wife Jane to help promote the Socialist candidates in the local elections.
Mr Howell discovered the visit mentioned in the memoirs of Henry Hyndman, one of the founders of the first Social Democratic League.
Morris spoke at St James Hall, St James Street, now Barclays Bank, and described Burnley as "the pit of degradation" when looking down on the smog-filled town from Manchester Road.
Morris's wife Jane featured in many paintings by artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, including The Bower Meadow and The Day Dream.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article