The Local History of Accrington, Blackburn and Clitheroe
Tucked among the hills and valleys of East Lancashire, Accrington, Blackburn and Clitheroe offer a glimpse into centuries of British heritage. From industrial innovation to medieval fortresses, each town bears its own proud legacy — preserved not only in books but in buildings, monuments and everyday life.
Accrington
NORI Bricks
Accrington is a town that grew quickly in the 19th century thanks to Lancashire’s textile industry, with mills, foundries, and brickyards shaping its landscape.
Perhaps the town’s most well-known legacy lies beneath monuments around the world: NORI bricks. These iron-hard engineering bricks were manufactured locally and exported globally. You’ll find them in places like the Empire State Building, Blackpool Tower and Battersea Power Station. A spelling mistake turned “IRON” into “NORI,” and the name stuck!
The former Huncoat Brickworks site and various local industrial heritage markers around town celebrate this remarkable legacy.
The Accrington Pals
In 1914, Accrington formed its own battalion for WWI — the “Accrington Pals.” Tragically, many were killed on the first day of the Battle of the Somme, leaving a lasting scar on the community. In 2015 a replica Memorial of the one placed in Serre, France for the Accrington Pals was erected in Haworth Park, providing a peaceful spot of remembrance.
Visit The Accrington Pals Memorial in Haworth Park, and the moving exhibition at the Haworth Art Gallery to learn more about these brave men.
Haworth Art Gallery
Haworth Art Gallery sits on the edge of Accrington and is an Edwardian mansion that houses the largest collection of Tiffany glass in Europe, donated by a local man who worked in the U.S. for Louis Comfort Tiffany.
The Gallery is open year-round with beautiful grounds to stroll around and rotating exhibitions, providing something new to learn every season.
Blackburn
Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery
Visit Blackburn Museum & Art Gallery to see a fantastic textile machinery exhibit, as well as pieces highlighting the town’s global trade links. The Museum and Art Gallery is free to enter and is open every day except Sunday and Monday
Blackburn Cathedral
Featuring one of the youngest cathedrals in England, Blackburn Cathedral rises from a much older parish church. With a stunning blend of Gothic and contemporary architecture, it's both a place of worship and cultural pride.
Blackburn Cathedral is free to enter and guided tours are available for £4pp. Finish your day of discovery with a trip to their café Checks & Greys!
Corporation Park
Built in 1857, Corporation Park is one of Lancashire’s finest examples of a Victorian public park, complete with ornamental gardens, a Grade II-listed triumphal arch and scenic walking paths.
Perfect for history lovers and families alike.
Clitheroe
Clitheroe Castle
Perched on the edge of the Ribble Valley, Clitheroe offers a more rural contrast to its industrial neighbours. At the town’s centre stands the smallest surviving Norman keep in England, Clitheroe Castle. Though small, it has stood for more than 800 years and today houses a local museum with exhibits on geology, prehistoric life, wartime Clitheroe and local legends.
Clitheroe Castle Museum provides panoramic views of the valley from the keep and is just £5.10 for an adult ticket and kids under 12 go free!
Pendle Hill
Just a short drive from Clitheroe, Pendle Hill is famous for its connection to the Pendle Witch Trials of 1612. Today, the area is steeped in folklore and offers excellent walking routes and historical signage.
Take a stroll starting at Barley Village, follow the trail to learn about the accused women and enjoy breathtaking views that the Forest of Bowland has to offer.
Holmes Mill
A former cotton mill now transformed into a heritage complex, Holmes Mill includes a brewery, food hall, hotel and cinema, all while showcasing original mill machinery and architecture, making it perfect for a family day out.
Holmes Mill is a brilliant example of adaptive reuse of historic spaces. See what they’re up to on their website!
These towns are linked by their shared story of industry, resilience and transformation. From red bricks and roaring looms to castle walls and country walks, Accrington, Blackburn and Clitheroe reflect the evolving identity of the North.
Today, these towns are embracing their heritage — restoring landmarks, creating new visitor experiences and celebrating the communities that have shaped them.
Next time you visit Lancashire, go beyond the well-known cities. Explore these towns where history lives on.
