The traditions of King Cotton and coal are all preserved in the Bacup Natural History Museum, which is affectionately known as the Nats.
The museum, founded in 1878 as an naturalists' society, houses a spectacular jumble of exhibits recalling the 19th and early 20th century heyday of cotton and coal, clog and shawl, train and tram.
The richness of the wildlife is reflected in the collections of birds and butterflies, moths, mayflies and mammals.
The museum building on Yorkshire Street, which is owned by the Nats, was once a public house but also once served as a doss house.
In an old outhouse an old power loom has been restored and is in ear-splitting working order.
In the nearby small garden, protected by a wall, is a collection of old street signs.
The Nats Museum is a museum piece in its own right.
Bacup Natural History Museum, Yorkshire Street, Bacup. Open Thursday evenings from 7.30pm and Easter Saturdays from 10am to 3.30pm.
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