Secret Burnley & Pendle

The Lancashire town of Burnley was once the cotton-weaving capital of the world. The Straight Mile that carries the Leeds and Liverpool Canal sixty feet above the town is regarded as one of the seven wonders of the British waterways system. The area adjacent to the canal, which is today known as The Weavers’ Triangle, hints at the town’s industrial past but, as this book reveals, there is much more history to discover when we delve beneath the surface. Author Margaret Brecknell takes readers on a fascinating exploration of the hidden heritage of Burnley and the neighbouring towns of Nelson and Colne. The countryside around Burnley is dominated by Pendle Hill, which has given its name to the surrounding area. The Pendle Witches, who were convicted and hanged for witchcraft in 1612, are known throughout the world, but what was the background to these extraordinary events? Less well-known is the story of George Fox, whose vision on top of Pendle Hill in 1652 led to the foundation of the Quaker Movement. From more recent times, discover the tragic story of Wallace Hartley, the bandleader on RMS Titanic whose memorial is in his home town of Colne; how Nelson came to be known as 'Little Moscow'; and the two years in the 1940s when Burnley was Britain’s theatre capital. Sport is also featured with tales from Burnley FC’s illustrious past. Illustrated throughout, ‘Secret Burnley & Pendle’ will surprise and delight local people and anyone with connections to the area.