The A-Z of Burnley

A bustling town centre with plenty of green space, the Claret’s hometown is perfect for a day out or weekend away. Head down the M65 and discover what Burnley has to offer.

A- Ashes

Cricketer James Anderson OBE was born in Burnley! He’s played for England’s test match team for 20 years and represents Lancashire domestically. He was a pupil at Blessed Trinity RCS and developed his passion for cricket by playing at Burnley CC, opposite his beloved Turf Moor, home of Burnley FC.

B- Burnley Barracks

1818 Burnley suffered from Luddite riots, with mill workers spilling onto the streets and breaking fellow rioters out of prison. Troops from Manchester were sent over to control the situation; however, due to continuous protesting, permanent barracks were installed in 1820. They stayed active as the Chartism movement continued until 1898 the regiment moved to Preston.

C- Cotton

‘Britain’s bread hangs by Lancashire’s thread’. From the 18th century to the early 21st century, Burnley was one of the world’s leading cotton cloth producers. With 140 operating cotton mills, 70% of Burnley’s population was employed in the cotton industry. In 1910, it was estimated that there were a staggering 99,000 power looms in the town.

D- Development

One of many impressive restorations in Burnley is at Finsley Gate Wharf. Situated on the Leeds Liverpool Canal, the Mile Wharf – as it was known previously- was opened in 1801 to provide key industrial labourers with spaces to work. The lovely grade-two listed, 20th-century buildings have been renovated (using a £2.9 million National Lottery grant) to include a café, bar, function room, overnight accommodation and education facilities for the public to enjoy.

E- Education

The number one college in England can be found right here in Burnley! In 2023, the school saw an overall pass rate in A-levels of 99%, with 85% of students receiving at least one A*- C grade and 60% gaining at least one A*- B grade. The college boasts a state-of-the-art, high-tech campus and was recently presented with two titles (UK Apprentice Award and Sustainability Green Initiative Award) at the Educate North Awards in 2023.

F- Footy

Burnley is home to Turf Moor, which has been Burnley Football Club’s home stadium since 1883! It holds over 20,000 loyal fans who have notably seen the team win the First Division twice (1921 and 1960) and the FA Cup once (1914). Burnley is also credited with being one of the founding members of the English Football League in 1883. It’s also reported that King Charles the Third is a Burnley FC fan! He visited four times between 2006 and 2012 – declaring his passion for the club in 2012 at Windsor Castle!

G- Gawthorpe

The impressive Elizabethan Gawthorpe Hall (designed in the 1850s by Sir Charles Barry, who also notably designed the Houses of Parliament) is often lively with fun exhibitions, colourful gardens and exciting family activities. The stunning interior highlights how life in the Victorian era was when the Kay-Shuttleworth family resided in the building.

H- Housing

Burnley offers an excellent catchment area for families looking to get children into highly-rated schools, people looking to move to find work and those aiming to settle in an inclusive town. McDermott Homes has been building fabulous houses since 1992, and their ‘Valour Park’ in Burnley offers buyers the best of the Pennines! With a responsible attitude towards the environment, they ensure sustainable development whilst offering people everything they need in their homes.

I- Industrial

Burnley is famous for its industry in the past, including coal mining and steam work. By 1830, Burnley had 32 steam engines, one shown at the Science Museum in London. In 1796, the introduction of the Leeds-Liverpool Canal made transportation of goods easier and increased rivalries with other local mill towns.

J- James Anderson

Kind-hearted plumber and Pride of Britain award winner James Anderson set up Disabled and Elderly, Plumbing and Heating Emergency Response (DEPHER) in 2017 to help the elderly, disabled or vulnerable by providing them with free heating and plumbing. Many locals have benefited from James’s kindness, including a Healthier Heroes veteran. The community interest company now has a shop in Burnley that helps people in need with food and sanitary products. Hugh Grant has donated £10,000 to the cause, and Alan Titchmarsh volunteered to renovate his garden on his show ‘Love Your Garden’!

K- Kindness

Burnley is filled with charities aiming to help those in need. A notable organisation is ‘Healthier Heroes’, founded in 2018 to help veterans and their families. They have a team of 16 people and a collection of ambassadors. The company aims to serve army veterans or released veteran prisoners to rebuild their lives and find new jobs while helping them overcome any mental barriers.

L- Lucious

Thompson Park is a lovely Edwardian green space located at the centre of Burnley. It was constructed in 1920 following the death of James Thomspon, who left £50,000 in his will to go towards the park’s construction. It was recently restored with a National Lottery Heritage Grant. Featuring a boating lake, café, miniature railway and ornamental gardens, it’s an enjoyable day out!

M – Mechanics

Having become a theatre in 1979 following a period as a mechanics institute and a community centre, Burnley Mechanics never disappoints! The venue hosts a wide range of entertainment, from live jazz, rock, folk or pop music to comedy or musical theatre productions! This autumn, audiences will be treated to such delights as a Rod Stewart tribute evening, the UK Ballet Theatre’s rendition of The Wizard of Oz and comedy from Mark Steel.

N- Netflix

The Bank of Dave has been a big hit on Netflix since its release on January 16^th this year, leading the most-watched movies chart in the UK in its week of release. It’s based on a true story, too! Following the 2008 financial crisis, Burnley businessman Dave Fishwick helped his customers at his self-titled van company by lending out his money after banks started declining them. It eventually led to the idea of starting up a community bank, and in 2011, Burnley Savings and Loans officially opened.

O- Origins

The name ‘Burnley’ derives from ‘Brun Lea’ meaning “Meadow by the River Brun”. Stone age tools and settlements have been previously discovered in the area, including the hillfort ‘Castercliffe’, which dates to 600 BC. Roman coins found on Burnley’s moors highlight a Roman influence over Burnley, but no evidence of their architecture has been discovered…yet!

P- Pastor Mick

After a traumatic childhood experience, former drug dealer Pastor Mick Fleming turned to drugs and violence. After ‘seeing the light’ and training as a pastor, he received high acclaim when, in 2020, he set up ‘Church on the Street’ based in the heart of Burnley’s town centre to help those struggling in need with food, beds, both medical and mental health issues. This autumn, he’s starting a campaign to prevent food poverty for schoolchildren. He’s now written two books (Blown Away and Walk In My Shoes), and a Netflix series is being developed based on his life to repentance!

Q- Queen Street

Queen Street is home to the famous ‘Queen Street Textiles Mill’, which now operates as a museum and café. In the 20^th century, the mighty steam engine ‘Peace’ and the coal-fired boilers dominated the mill as unique textiles were produced. You can now visit the weaving shed, which contains 308 Lancashire looms. The mill was also featured in the blockbuster film, ‘The King’s Speech’, when it was used as a filming location!

R- Remember

Back in July, Burnley Boy’s Club celebrated 125 years, making it one of the oldest charities in the region. The club was formed by Henry Riley and was made up of boys from local weaver families was running for 16 years until World War One began. Heroically 125 boys from the club, including Henry Riley, joined up and became part of the Accrington Pals. Tragically, none of the boys returned to Burnley, having lost their lives in the war. However, the charity continues to provide kinship and support to young people more than a century later.

S- Shopping

The Charter Walk was awarded the Diversity and Inclusion Scheme in late 2022. Judges were reportedly impressed by its commitment to becoming an inclusive shopping destination, with a particular focus on making the centre autism friendly. Charter Walk’s ‘Budding Burnley’ allotment also got recognition, being the first-ever allotment in a shopping mall.

T- Towneley

Towneley Hall is a historic hall opened to the public in 1901. It has been home to many generations of Towneley’s, starting in the 13th century. In July 2005, the Heritage Lottery Fund granted £2 million to help fund a significant park restoration programme. You can visit to see fabulous art galleries and stunning gardens. Currently, there is an extensive restoration project underway (which will finish in 2025) to protect the roof and plasterwork in the hall.

U- Unusual

The Singing Ringing Tree is an obscure sculpture overlooking Burnley, designed by the duo Tonkin Lui. The unique metal Panopticon is made of metal pipes and, when windy, rings out with a range of chords. The Singing Ringing Tree is one of three worldwide, with the others in America and Saudi Arabia.

V- Vitry-sur-Seine

For over 60 years, Burnley has been twinned with the French town Vitry-sur-Seine, six miles south of Paris. The population of the Parisian suburb is a little under 100,000, and it is famous for its culture. The ‘Musée d’Art Contemporain du Val-de-Marne’ is a popular attraction for viewing art. France also fuels alcohol at the Burnley Miner’s Working Men’s Club! The Club is the world’s biggest consumer of French Benedictine liqueur, downing 1,000 bottles a year.

W- Walks

Fancy making a day of it? Go on an adventure from Lancashire to Yorkshire on the Burnley to Hebden Bridge trial. The 14.6-mile trail is full of variety as it passes by small hamlets, towns and endless countryside, travelling along the old packhorse route. It will take you a good day to walk it, but luckily at weekends, you can stop by the Packhorse Inn on the way.

X- Xtraterrestrial

An interesting piece of folklore regarding Burnley dates back to 1861 and involves ‘The Boggart Bridge’. The tale goes that anyone who passed over the Boggart Bridge (located in Towneley Park) must leave another living thing for the resident Boggart or face the consequence of forfeiting their soul! However, following restoration work in 2009, it’s believed the supernatural Boggart no longer inhabits the bridge.

Y- Young At Heart

An exciting project for Burnley, Pioneer Place is set to be home to a seven-screen Reel Cinema, Starbucks, Nando’s and more! The leisure complex has cost a staggering £23 million to complete but will be vital to increasing trade in Burnley. It’s set to be finished in late 2023 and is located on Curzon Street in the town centre.

Z- Zen

Did you know Burnley is 80% rural, providing an excellent quality of life? Burnley Council owns and looks after 511 hectares of parks and open spaces, including five Green Flag Awarded parks.

NorthernLife Sep/Oct 23