This competition is now closed

Bygone Blackburn, written by George C. Miller, is now available for the first time in almost twenty years.

The book which was written by well known local historian George C Miller was first published in 1950 and publishers, Heritage Publications have not changed the layout or content.

In the book, Blackburn’s history through the 1500s to the 1800s is traced in fascinating detail. The text focuses not just on the important people of the town like the Hornbys and the Feildens but also gives the reader insight into the ordinary lives of many townsfolk. It does this by touring important areas of the town and detailing the people who lived and worked in them. The areas of Audley, Salford, Church Street, Darwen Street, King Street and Northgate are brought to life. The old parish church and the Grammar School (later to become QEGS) have chapters devoted to them as does the West End area.

Many local history books give an overview of events but fail to give much detail. George C Miller wrote the book for an audience who demanded lots of details and they got them. He almost walks the reader around the areas he writes about and introduces us to the locals of the time. He tells of the election riots of 1835 when W.H. Hornby, father of the member of Parliament for Blackburn was flung over the old Salford Bridge. He tells of the numerous floods at Salford and how, in 1729, twelve people drowned in the River Blakewater. Miller gives fascinating insights into the running of The Grammar School quoting from the Record book of the Foundation from 1597 to 1763. He also mentions a master at the school who allegedly died of the Plague in 1623 when Blackburn was suffering from the disease.

There is so much of interest in this book it is difficult to pick out the most interesting parts but there truly is something of interest to everyone who has ever wondered or read about the history of Blackburn. The book is available in both traditional and e-reader formats.

Did you know about these?

• The town’s old windmill that stood in Eanam
• The market cross and the stocks that were at the very hub of the town
• The poverty and riots that engulfed the town in the 19th century
• The church that stood on the grounds of the present cathedral and dates back to at least the 12th century

Heritage Publications are offering two chances to win a copy of the book in a competition in association with Blackburn Life.

The Question is:

When was Bygone Blackburn first published?

Complete the entry form below or send your answer with your name and postcode to the Blackburn Life competition email address [email protected].

The closing date for the competition is midnight on 18th December 2011. The winners will be drawn at random from the correct entries and the decision of Blackburn Life is final. No correspondence regarding the competition will be entered into.

Bygone Blackburn is priced at £14.99 and is available by contacting Chris on 01254 245709, by visiting www.heritagepublications.co.uk or by clicking on the advert on Blackburn Life.