(Excerpt) In the 20th century the brewery completed several acquisitions included Henry Shaw & Co. (1924), Fountain Free Brewery (1927), Bury Brewery (1949), Preston Breweries (1955), and Yates & Jackson (1984). The Eanam site became the Star Brewery around 1948 and in the 1960s, under Chairman John Yerburgh, a major expansion created a striking nine-storey aluminium-clad tower brewhouse (opened 1966) with ‘Time for Thwaites’ signage and a time capsule. Shire horses were reintroduced for deliveries in 1960, becoming an enduring symbol.
Category Archives: #History
The Swaledale Sheep, Queen of the Hills
Swaledales are medium-sized, bold, and exceptionally hardy. Key traits include a black face with bright white markings, curled horns (larger in rams), and a weatherproof off-white fleece that is dense and durable. Their strong legs and feet, combined with excellent foraging ability, allow them to thrive on heather, rough grass, and sparse vegetation.
A Stroll Through Time: The Long History of Blackpool’s North Pier
The pier’s story begins in the early 1860s, when Blackpool was rapidly transforming from a modest bathing resort into a booming destination for industrial workers seeking fresh air and entertainment. In 1861, prominent local businessmen gathered at the Clifton Arms Hotel to discuss building a pier. They appointed the renowned pier designer Eugenius Birch, whose innovative cast-iron structures (he designed 14 piers altogether) would define many British seaside landmarks.
Yellow Flag Iris
Like many wetland plants, I. pseudacorus plays an important role in its ecosystem. Its dense clumps provide cover and nesting sites for birds such as Moorhen and Reed Warbler, while the rhizomes help stabilise banks and prevent erosion. The flowers are visited by a range of pollinators, particularly larger bees (including Bumblebees) that are strong enough to push open the petals to reach the nectar and pollen.
A Pint-Size History of the Inn at Whitewell
The Inn at Whitewell is a venerable old building with a long and storied history. It began its life in the late 14th century as a small manor-house overlooking the River Hodder and served as the residence for the keepers of the King’s Forest of Bowland.
The Gentleman’s Terrier
The Manchester Terrier is one of our oldest identifiable terrier breeds, with a lineage that can be traced back centuries. Sleek, black-and-tan, and combining the speed of a sighthound with the tenacity of a terrier, it was purpose-bred for vermin control and sport. Today, it remains a spirited yet affectionate companion, though it is considered a vulnerable native breed in its homeland.
St Patrick’s Chapel
Perched dramatically on its rocky headland, overlooking the wild expanse of Morecambe Bay, the ruins of St Patrick’s Chapel are one of the most evocative early medieval sites in the British Isles.
The Pinnacle, Part Two
In the shadow of Clitheroe Castle, standing alone on its Limestone mount watching over the Ribble Valley, stands a rather unlikely monument: a tall, ornate gothic spire that once graced a very different skyline.
Northwest Nature and History 