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Wednesday 10am - 3pm Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 10am - 3pm

Darwen Heritage Centre

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Darwen Heritage Centre

COMMUNITY | HERITAGE | ARTS Doctor James T Ballantyne later owned Holker House when he became Mayor in 1898. It was used as office space until 2015.

In the1870s Dr George Hindle built Holker House on Railway Road to the design of George Wightman of Darwen, He named it after Holker House, which comes from the family home of the Hindles in Hoddlesden which was built in 1591. To celebrate his Mayoral term, he presented the town with our town hall clock which still lets us know the time today. Subsequently it became the Divisional Education Office

for Darwen Division until 1974, when it became the Area Education Architects' Office. From 1985 until 2005 it was used by Blackburn College. Unfortunately, it was abandoned by the College and allowed to fall into disrepair until acquired in late 2007 by Steven Milligan who meticulously renovated the building. In February 2016 The Livesey Foundation charity bought the house with intensions to make it available to the people of Darwen for a variety of community projects. Our intention is to make it available to the town for a variety of community purposes such as Charity/social meetings and events, exhibitions, venue for councilors, tourist information and much more. But most importantly it will become home to The Darwen Heritage Centre where we will be able to display to the world the history, culture, past and present of our amazing town! Holker House will be not-for-profit and will become a major attraction and community focal point for the town. If you would like to contribute to this exciting project, please contact us……..

27/07/2025

Looking into the archive at the Darwen Heritage Centre again - signs of the times - the men got the tankards and the women got the compact. Presented at ICI Darwen but do you know what they were presented for?

26/07/2025

Pleased to welcome Anthony Furnell, Head of Retail Operations who came to see how the Grant we have received from the Nisa Local will benefit schools and community groups in Darwen. Schools should look out for contact early in the next term for details of how the Darwen Heritage Centre can help to enhance the curriculum with visits to the Centre. Community groups such as Guides, Scouts, Brownies and U3A etc. should feel free to contact us on darwenheritagecentre@hotmail.com

25/07/2025

This one of a group of Chindits in Burma arrived at the Darwen Heritage Centre today. There is a Darwen man on there and his story will be told on Saturday 16th August at the Darwen Heritage Centre. Have you got a relative who fought in the Far East and want his story told? Contact us on: darwenheritagecentre@hotmail.com or pop in when we are open. Photographs can be scanned and originals returned to you.

24/07/2025

Remembering here the men from Darwen who lost their lives in July 80 years ago in 1945. As we approach the end of the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War II I hope that many of you will visit the Darwen Heritage Centre on Saturday 16th August to help us Commemorate VJ Day. Sponsored by Darwen Town Council.

23/07/2025

This Co-op view of Darwen for the 1900 Fair shows why I think Darwen is an industrial town and not a market town. How many mill chimneys can you count in this picture? More interesting pictures of Darwen and its Industrial past can be found at the Darwen Heritage Centre.

22/07/2025

Getting close to the VJ 80 Commemoration Day on 16th August at the Darwen Heritage Centre. Lots of photos and information for you to look at plus artefact handling, games, free refreshments and free entry. All welcome. Come and read about this man's story - Horace Toolis. What a great fellow and sad that he has passed. We could do with his medals on display on the day if you are reading this.

21/07/2025

Another look into the archives at the Darwen Heritage Centre revealed these programmes from the Darwen Water Carnivals of the 1950s. The Darwen Amateur Swimming Club has had many champion swimmers, divers and water polo players over the years. How many can you name?

20/07/2025

Medals to wear to the Darwen Heritage Centre VJ Day Commemoration on the 16th August this year - the 80th Anniversary of the end of World War 2. The Garrison captured and imprisoned at Singapore got the Pacific Medal, those who fought against the Japanese in Burma got the Burma Star and members of the Royal Navy got the Burma Star with the Pacific Clasp. Search the drawers at home now and let's see you wear them with pride on the 16th. The medal group belongs to James Paynter, thanks to his family.

19/07/2025

The Spring Vale Ramblers display at the Darwen Heritage Centre is complete and has been seen by many people so far. Have you been in to see it yet? Lots of artwork from the local Primary Schools and DACA.

18/07/2025

So what does VJ Day mean to you? Here is a photo that was in my Uncle's collection - he took the photo. But do you know what this war cemetery had to do with the Sandakan death march? Don't know? Well you can find out if you come to the VJ Day Commemoration at the Darwen Heritage Centre. You will also then know which man born in Darwen is buried there.

17/07/2025

Another delve into the artefacts available for viewing at the Darwen Heritage Centre shows a number of official Borough Guides. Full of information and great adverts plus a street map of Darwen.

Address

Darwen

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 3pm
Friday	10am - 3pm
Saturday	10am - 3pm

Telephone

01254433140

Website

http://darwenheritagecentre.org.uk/

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