Accrington in 1848, a new railway and massive population growth

In 1811, the population of Accrington was 3,266; by 1851, it had ballooned to 10,374. In 1848, Accrington was already industrialized. The Railway had just opened, and a new viaduct dominated the town.

The lead image shows the viaduct in 1867. Ramshackle buildings between the arches became a feature of the town centre.

Additionally, Broadway and the Town Hall had yet to be built. Notably, the River Hyndburn flowed through the centre of Accrington. The river is now wholly covered over. Oddly, Blackburn Road was named Blackburn Street.

Accrington in 1848 and now, maps by Google and Ordnance Survey.

Powered looms

Powered mills became the norm, and many rows of terraced houses were built to house the workers. In the centre of town was Spring Mill, this was a relatively modest affair with 636 looms. It was demolished in the 1930s to make way for Broadway. The 1880’s saw terraced housing completely envelop the centre of town.

Moreover, the demand for looms was massive and the Howard and Bulllough company became world-renowned for loom manufacture in Accrington. The complex was begun in 1851 and eventually covered over 50 acres. Notably, the new railway was adjacent to the factory.

The image below was taken in 1928. The bridge pillars at the top of the image survive. Notably, part of the lodge was filled in to create a footpath. and some of the embankment on the right was removed.

Howard & Bulloughs works in 1928, pic, britain from above.

The railway arrives in Accrington

The original East Lancashire Railway was the builder of the lines through Accrington. Notably, the company only existed for thirteen years and was soon absorbed into the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. Consequently, the Stubbins to Accrington line was the first to be built, commencing in 1845.

Additionally, a line from Blackburn to Colne was under construction. Notably, this resulted in an awkward triangular junction at Accrington. The original station was rebuilt in 1882 and this building was in use until the Manchester line was closed in the mid 1960’s.

Closure of the Manchester line

The line to Manchester closed in 1966. However, the track remained in place until the early 1970’s. Interestingly, the National Library of Scotland’s mapping website has an overlay capability. Below you can see exactly where the line used to run, overlayed on a modern map.

This site is sponsored by Classic Collect Models and Vintage Style Home. Visit their sites for model railway buildings and a range of gifts with a history connection.

TAGS

CATEGORIES

Comments are closed