Burnley is a historic market town, and is surrounded by breathtaking Penine countryside. It developed into one of the most prosperous mill towns in Lancashire during the Industrial Revolution. Burnley was one of the world’s largest cloth producers at its peak.
Located in the town centre is Weavers’ Triangle. Consisting of 19th-century industrial buildings, Weavers’ Triangle has historic interest because it encapsulates the town’s industry. Formed in 1977, the Burnley Industrial Museum Action Committee aims to preserve the town’s heritage. The Weavers’ Triangle Toll House subsequently opened in 1980, and visitors can learn all about Burnley’s cotton history here.
Historic Houses in Burnley
Other places to take a trip back in time to are Townely Hall and Gawthorpe Hall. Towneley Hall has been in the same family for five centuries, and its varied period rooms cover everything from the Tudor to the Victorian eras! A company of re-enactors bring the tales, triumphs and tragedies of the Towneleys to life. Towneley Hall is situated in historic parkland, and therefore offers woodland walks, formal gardens and nature trails.
Gawthorpe Hall, sometimes referred to as ‘Downton of the North’ is a National Trust property. It is an Elizabethan country house, with origins dating from the 14th century. The Hall is home to the Gawthorpe Textile collection, which includes intricate needlework, lace and costume amassed by Rachel Kay Shuttleworth.