Blackburn with Darwen

In the heart of East Lancashire, Blackburn with Darwen has industry, inventiveness, skill and hard work woven through its history, and these qualities are also shaping its future. Once a powerhouse of the Industrial Revolution, Blackburn earned global recognition as a mill town, with its cotton industry driving economic growth and shaping the town’s distinctive red-brick architecture and canal networks. The legacy of this era is still visible today, with repurposed mills and heritage buildings standing as reminders of the borough’s industrious roots.

Over many years the borough has seen people moving to the area from other countries, migration that was encouraged and needed to support the growth of industries in several waves. In the late 19th century, labour was needed to support significant growth in infrastructure. In Victorian Britain, the borough was growing rapidly and the construction of mills, railways and canals was so labour intensive that it required Irish and Scottish communities to come to the borough to work within those industries. Similarly, Edwardian Britain saw the growth of housebuilding. In the borough many of the pre-1919 terraced houses were built by Irish immigrants who were the mainstay of the construction industry. The loss of working age population through two World Wars meant that there was once again a labour shortage in the 1960s. It was during this decade and through to the late 1970s that the majority of the South Asian migration to the borough took place. Working in the mills, manufacturing and transport, they met a labour shortage but also started to settle, initially as single males and later bringing their families to join them.

Over the past few decades, there has been increased migration and social mixing, where today Blackburn with Darwen is proud to be multicultural, with over 70 languages spoken here. Some areas still face economic challenges, however the borough is also a place of resilience and regeneration, where investment in housing, public spaces, and local businesses is breathing new life into the community. For example, in Darwen you will find independent shops, scenic walking routes, and cultural landmarks like Jubilee Tower offering a high quality of life.

One of the borough’s greatest strengths today is its diversity. Blackburn with Darwen is home to a vibrant mix of cultures, faiths, and traditions, which has enriched the local community in countless ways. From bustling markets and multicultural festivals to a wide array of international cuisine, the borough celebrates its diversity as a source of unity and innovation. The borough has fostered a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, making it a welcoming place for families, entrepreneurs, and creatives alike.

Living in Blackburn with Darwen today means being part of a community that honours its past while embracing the future. A place where heritage meets hope, and where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated.