Category Archives: #Lancashire

The Rise and Fall of Blackburn’s Star Brewery

(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.

The Barley Harvest 2026

So far 2026’s barley harvest seems to be proceeding more steadily here than in the drought-stressed south and east of the country. While those regions saw some of the earliest starts on record in late June, northern and western crops are following a more typical timeline, benefiting from relatively better moisture retention in many areas.

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.

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.

Common Bistort

The pink flower spikes of Common Bistort, towering over other wildflowers on their tall, straight stems, are a familiar sight to many of us who have walked the highways and byways of Northwest England in spring and early summer.