Lancashire (including Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire and Wyre) is in the North West of England. It has a population of around 1,460,000 and covers approximately 307,000 hectares. Here is a list of nearby or neighbouring counties: Cumbria, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire.
Lancashire is named after the city of Lancaster, which is its county town, although the county council is in Preston. The area was once home to a Celtic tribe called the Brigantes and during the Roman Period towns such as Lancaster and Manchester were Roman forts. During the following centuries the land formed parts of various kingdoms and counties, until it came into existence as a county in its own right during the twelfth century. The Industrial Revolution began in Britain during the late eighteenth century and Lancashire became an important industrial and commercial region. The counties location, growing population and natural resources, such as fast flowing water and coal mines, fuelled the growth of textile production in the Lancashire Mill Towns and by the 1830s they manufactured more than eighty percent of the worlds cotton. Today visitors to Helmshore Mills Textile Museum can see demonstrations of carding and spinning and learn how raw wool and cotton were made into into yarn, to then be woven into cloth. During the Victorian era and the growth of the railways, the coastal town of Blackpool became a tourist resort for the counties workers and the town remains famous for attractions such as Blackpool Tower, the trams, piers, beaches and the illuminations, which are switched on each autumn. Away from the industrial areas, farming and fishing were important parts of the local economy. Performing arts venues in Lancashire include the Grand Theatre in Blackpool, the Winter Gardens in Blackpool, Lowther Pavilion in Lytham St Annes, Thwaites Empire Theatre in Blackburn, Preston Guild Hall and the Grand Theatre in Lancaster.
Lancashire ports were part of Britains global trade network in raw materials and manufactured goods, but with industrial decline the once busy docks have mostly been converted to none commercial uses and other industries have replaced them. Following boundary changes during the twentieth century, the borders of Lancashire shrank and the county no longer includes cities such as Manchester and Liverpool or areas that are now within Cumbria or Yorkshire counties. The Harris Museum is located in Preston and in addition to housing important local historical and archaeological artefacts and decorative arts, has an art collection which includes works by artists such as Stanley Spencer, George Frederic Watts and Lucian Freud. The artist perhaps most associated with Lancashire is L.S. Lowry, who painted scenes of local life peopled by figures often called matchstick men, though he was born and mostly lived and worked in Manchester which is no longer part of Lancashire. Visitors to Lancashire can also travel along the Irwell Sculpture Trail, which is Englands largest public arts scheme, running for thirty miles from Salford Quays to the Pennines and includes twentyeight works of art created by British and International artists. Other places you might like to visit in Lancashire include Samlesbury Hall, Lancaster Castle, the Museum of Lancashire in Preston, Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery, Astley Hall in Chorley, Pendle Heritage Centre, Gawthorpe Hall, the Ribble Valley and the Trough of Bowland.
Todmorden, Lancashire
Anne Pearson Designs is all about creating unique dreamcatchers, fibre art wall hangings, jewellery and gifts. I have always been interested ...
Leyland, Lancashire
I started wire knitting as a hobby. I like to create bracelets, necklaces, chokers and many other individual pieces using quality materials, ...
Manchester, Lancashire
Unbridled Art was launched as a business by artist Julie Brown in the summer of 2018. Julie Brown went to Art College in Manchester in ...
Carnforth, Lancashire
I am influenced by the area I live. I up cycle and recycle everyday objects using resin and acrylic paint, as well using natural materials ...
Bolton, Lancashire
The home of eclectic contemporary decor made from the best of textiles and infused with legendary craftsmanship for the cosmopolitan mind. ...
Preston, Lancashire
I have always enjoyed working with wood and now that I have retired my wife and I have set up 2174 to showcase our handmade wooden planters ...
Blackpool, Lancashire
I create gemstone and fashion jewellery and design silver jewellery which is created for me by my amazing silversmiths. I am creating my ...
Preston, Lancashire
I specialise in Mixed Media craft bottles, canvases, picture frames and shoes. Using normal everyday items up-cycled into something new ...
Ribchester, Lancashire
All items are hand turned by myself at home in the village of Ribchester. These items include Pens, Keyrings, Wine Bottle Stoppers and ...
Nelson, Lancashire
Apparently nothing in Life happens without a reason and Buddhists say that good karma is bad karma . For me the confirmation of both these ...
Bolton, Lancashire
Commissions undertaken of pet portraits, mostly cats, dogs and horses, although I have been known to do the odd ferret (no trouser jokes ...
Rochdale, Lancashire
Sewing is my passion and I put this passion into every gift I create. The cards I create are stitched/appliqué and can be easily personalised. ...
Shevington, Lancashire
JW Crafts and Gifts sources hand-made products from local and international artisans. All our products come with a Fair Trade guarantee ...
Darwen, Lancashire
Being a therapist in alot of disciplines i decided to put my knowledge into therapy candles (and accessories ) to help people with difficulties ...
St Annes, Lancashire
I studied fashion design and embroidery in the sixties so I have been creating clothes and embroideries for many years. Recently, I decided ...
Preston, Lancashire
I had to take early retirement from being a Cancer Nurse and having being used to be busy I found it hard not be inactive, so I decided ...
Burnley, Lancashire
Lucy K Bespoke Handmade gifts, finished and presented to a high spec standard . Affordable range of Cosmetics bags, jewellery purses, toiletry ...
Nelson, Lancashire
I do abstract designs using watercolour or acrylic on quality acid free card or canvas. My interlocking shapes and vibrant colours are ...
Preston, Lancashire
We sell Hand Blended and poured Soy wax Candles and Melts - Highly Scented” Marleys started in 2017. We make exquisite 100% Soy wax candles, ...
Chorley, Lancashire
My own silk flower designs that are designed by myself with attractive containers and many different sizes and prices. My designs are ...
Bolton, Lancashire
I produce fabric collages on canvas with heat bonding. These are framed under glass. I also sell high quality greeting cards and canvas ...
Bury, Lancashire
We are a father and daughter run business and have been making soft furnishings for many years with a particular focus on our beautiful ...
Milnrow, Lancashire
Tarns are beautiful mountain pools, just as candles are alluring pools of light. We produce quality hand-poured soy wax candles and melts ...
Rawtenstall Rossendale, Lancashire
Silver Spring Jewellery - I’m a Silversmith creating individual, handmade and bespoke jewellery. Original hand crafted rings, bangles, ...
Wigan, Lancashire
Alex is a disabled veteran who has built his business from a simple love of coffee. The.Coffee.Collective.UK was established in January ...
Blackpool, Lancashire
We are a mother and daughter run business we sell handmade bath bombs and hand poured scented wax melts. We use eco soy wax and eco dye ...
Chorley, Lancashire
Hi I decoupage many different items such as slate coasters and placement mats. Vases. Light vases. Large candles. Oil burners. Bamboo wooden ...
Bury, Lancashire
I was given a candle making course for my Birthday and instantly fell in love with the art of candle craft! I love mixing scents and finding ...
Bolton, Lancashire
Hello my name is Avalon and I am based in Bolton, I design and make hair bows using a variety of materials from different ribbons and leatherettes. ...
Blackpool, Lancashire
I am an amateur Photographer based in the North West. I predominantly photograph the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the Lancashire ...
Lancaster, Lancashire
I sell high quality professional landscape photographs of the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, Devon, Cornwall, North West Lancashire and ...
Rochdale, Lancashire
I am new to this and would like to share my hobbies and learn from others. I have made several terrariums for friends who keep telling ...
Preston, Lancashire
I use a wood turning lathe to produce different types of pens, made from wood, acrylic and polyester pen blanks, I also make my own pen ...
Preston, Lancashire
My business is my hobby, I work full time at a law firm. I make a range of baby / nursery items and home decor. I can also personalise ...
Bolton, Lancashire
At AJ Aromatics, we aim to help you to discover those special scents to create a sense of peace and tranquility. AJ Aromatics strive ...
Blackburn, Lancashire
Abstract and Modern Wall Art. Unique one of a kind pieces created with acrylic paints and pigments. Using the very best of materials, ...
Blackpool, Lancashire
I am so pleased to announce the arrival of my new ladies fragrance range, Carramea, Goddess and Siren. We have three fabulous and distinct ...
Preston, Lancashire
We will be at the Clitheroe Craft Fair this Saturday, a first for us and we are really looking forward to it. We will have some new products ...
Preston, Lancashire
Just had a great day on Sunday at the Lowther Pavilion craft show. it was a really busy day with lots of people coming in to see the stalls, ...
Preston, Lancashire
here is our stall all ready for the craft fair at Lowther Pavilion at the weekend. come along and see us and dont forget we now take credit ...
Preston, Lancashire
Come along, have a chat and meet us at the United Reform Church in Lowther on the 24th March. Look for the stall with the daffodils and ...
Preston, Lancashire
Just been to our very first craft fair, a whole weekend at the Assembly Rooms in Lytham St. Annes. This is a very well organised and run ...
Preston, Lancashire
Well we have finally done it and got ourselves up and running making our handmade wooden planters and candle holders. our first craft fair ...
Manchester, Lancashire
Happy Friday everyone! I am planning a weekend of painting my latest commission of a tiger, which is a bit more unusual than my usual horses! ...
Lancaster, Lancashire
From The She Shed I have done it!! At long last I have got myself started in my new exciting venture of slate designing. I have spent today ...
Wheelton, Lancashire
Edie and Beau specialise in luxury handmade gift sacks. Nature inspired and unique by design, each gift sack is made from natural hessian ...
Leyland, Lancashire
I have recently been busy attending a fair at Smithills Fair, Bolton and making new items for my Etsy shop. I seem to run out of time trying ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good afternoon. I have not had much going on again lately. The craft fair was a bit hit and miss. The weather was not good, it rained on ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good morning. I have not posted lately as I have been quite busy with the day job. I was also ill with a bug for a week and to be truthful ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good morning. It has been a couple of week since I updated the blog. My treadmill arrived and I have been using it every day so far. It ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Hello, bit late posting this week. I have been away at the weekend in the motorhome with hubby for a Burns Night and work has been a bit ...
Leyland, Lancashire
lovely striped blue agate stone bracelet to match necklace above
Leyland, Lancashire
I noticed the evenings are slowly becoming lighter and the sun actually shone today. I have been looking at new creations and currently ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good evening. The second of my new style dreamcatchers is now finished and I am really pleased with it. Similar to my first in its design, ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Hi everyone and a very Happy New Year to you all. My first spring themed piece my Daisy Dreamcatcher is now finished and I am really pleased ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good afternoon. Christmas has been pretty good so far though the pain from a broken toe and my other half being full of a cold has meant ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good evening. My order books are now shut and once I finish the day job on Wednesday, I will be on a well earned break. I am enjoying the ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Hey everyone. So yesterday was the last event I am attending this year. It was a lovely event, well lit, warm, food available and happy, ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good evening. As the year starts to draw to an end my work is changing direction a little. The dreamcatcher ideas are still at the forefront ...
Todmorden, Lancashire
Good evening. The fair last weekend was a disappointment for me. I had some sales but although we had lots of visitors, many people were ...
(Born 1893 in Blackburn in Lancashire), Fiction
Whipple was a popular author, writing around eighteen novels. Two of which were made into film just after the Second World War 1945/46 - They Were Sisters highlighting marital abuse - They Knew Mr. Knight dealing with crime and dealing with coming out of prison.
(Born 1712 in Preston in Lancashire), Painting
Born in 1712 he was an English portrait painter and is known for a type of portrait called a conversation piece. In 1735 his first commission was Hoghton Towers from Duxon Hill, Lancashire. This showed his interest in landscape but two years later he became established as a portrait painter having a studio in Great Queens Street London.