For the first time, the Aspects series crosses the Pennines and ventures into "Red Rose Country".
Aspects of Blackburn contains fourteen pinpoint observations of the history of the town, from the story of the Hartley family spanning 261 years, to the experiences of a post war immigrant. Blackburn was once a centre for the construction of canal boats, the story of which sits alongside the tale of the Darwen Spitfire of the Second World War. Many of the institutions of the town are featured, from Darwen Tower to the Roman Catholic Church in the area, and the early history of the Calderstones institute for Mental Defectives. No story is complete without some Ghosts and Ghoulies and these we have, in company with the story of William Beesley, the Chartist. With the "Blue Plaque" trail in the town and an account of order and disorder at the polls. A fascinating and previously unpublished picture of Blackburn and its history is revealed. Of equal appeal to the interested general reader and the serious student of Blackburn's history.