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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……..

20/03/2026

For tonight no picture! I don't want to prompt you by showing images of whom I think should be chosen. Who would you say was the most famous and important person to have visited Darwen in the past?

19/03/2026

Funny who you could have seen in Darwen on a visit in the past. How about Sir Oswald Mosley at the Baths, or Lloyd George at the Anchor? Did Winston Churchill ever make it to Darwen?

18/03/2026

Everyone knows that the Beatles came to Darwen to entertain at the Co-op in School Street. But who can you remember entertaining at the Cranberry Inn or Bogart's? Did you for instance see Tony Christie there? Or what about Dusty Springfield?

17/03/2026

The person who came to Darwen in 1933 was in fact Prince George the Duke of Kent who opened the New Public Baths officially. This was not to be confused with the future King GeorgeVI who saw us through WW2. It is confusing though when they use the same name all the time! How many Royals have taken the time to visit Darwen?

16/03/2026

Which famous ex-footballer and football manager came to Darwen to jointly officially open the new Darwen Leisure Centre? Who officially opened the previous new public baths in the 1930s?

15/03/2026

See if you know this one! Which Red Indian Chief lived in Back Duckworth Street having left the Wild West Show he came to Blackburn with and worked at the pipe works in Hoddlesden? What name did he adopt and who did he marry?

14/03/2026

The second talk of 2026 at the Darwen Heritage Centre will be on Wednesday 8th April at 7pm. We hope to see you there.

13/03/2026

Here are the winners of the Darwen Heritage Centre 100 Club for March 2026. Drawn every month with four chances to win each draw and still only £3 per month to join. Want to be a Member? Pop into the Centre for an application form, and you will also be helping the Heritage Centre with your contribution.

12/03/2026

Who was it who came to Darwen to date and then marry the young lady who used to sing in this pub in Darwen? She was called Beryl.

10/03/2026

I've been toying with an idea of producing a display on 'Look who's been to Darwen'. The only trouble is that there are so many famous people who have found our little town that there isn't enough space available. Who do you remember as a visitor to Darwen? For this one look at who played Alexander McAllister.

09/03/2026

Only two days to go until the first talk of 2026 at the Darwen Heritage Centre. 7pm start, arrive early for the best seats.

08/03/2026

In remembering those from Darwen who fought on the Somme we include not just those who lost their lives but those who survived as well. They all saved and were brave men, one and all. This was possible the last time that the Somme was Commemorated with a Memorial. Send what details and photos that you can to include your family members to the Darwen Heritage Centre on darwenheritagecentre@hotmail.com

Address

Railway Road
Darwen
BB32RG

Opening Hours

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

Telephone

01254433140

Website

http://darwenheritagecentre.org.uk/

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