Genealogy Australia

Blackburn was a local market and religious centre as long ago as Norman times. It was noted for its early textile industry and by the 17th century it was famous for fustian production. During the 18th century, having been transformed into a leading industrial town it switched from fustians to cottons and from domestic to factory production. Numerous steam-powered mills were now surrounded by rows of two-up, two-down cottages and the town centre was redeveloped, creating a range of visually-impressive public and commercial buildings.