Accrington, Town Hall 1897
Photo ref: 40119
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Photo ref: 40119
Photo of Accrington, Town Hall 1897

More about this scene

The Town Hall was originally known as the Peel Institution, and was used as Assembly Rooms. The etching on the windows, 'Magistrates Room' and 'Solicitors Room', reminds us that the Magistrates' Courts were also housed here for many years. The police station, just visible behind on the left at the top of Union Street, was accessible from the court via an underground passage for the prisoners to pass through on their way from dock to cell. The imposing ballroom has seen many gatherings of different types, including the Grand Fancy Dress Ball that is advertised on the large poster along with the Cyclists Parade. These events were amongst fundraising activities for the provision of a Cottage Hospital. Recently refurbished, the ballroom is still in regular use today for a variety of events.

A Selection of Memories from Accrington

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our website to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was, prompted by the photographs in our archive. Here are some from Accrington

Sparked a Memory for you?

If this has sparked a memory, why not share it here?

My Grandfather was baptised here in October 1891.
My brother Anthony and I grew up in Barnes Street/Lee Street where my parents ran an off-licence from about 1953 - 1962. We both went to Miss Caulfield's Preparatory school and my brother went on to Blackburn Grammar School. We used to play in the streets and up at the coppice and the nearby park. I remember Plantation Street as one of the streets we traversed to get to school. David Benson and ...see more
I lived in Accrington . Maden Street . Went to Holy Family School. Often went in the Block Aid Pub. And lived with Annette Krywisneack. Many happy memories . I also had many friends in Accrington Keith Allen and all the biker people. I now live on a narrow boat with my husband.
We moved to Accrington fom Whalley 10th December 1941. I remember it because Syd Ashmeed and his band was broadcasting that day and Ronnie Brooks was the drummer and I wanted to listen to the broadcast but as we were moving I missed it. I started work at Howard & Bulloughs in April 1941 as an apprentice mechanic in the milling room, but after a year I asked for a transfer to the tool room. George ...see more