Cavalier Attitude - Blackburn

History

The hidden watercourse beneath Blackburn is a section of the River Blakewater, a river that has played an important role in the town’s development and is thought to have given Blackburn its name. The river was gradually forced underground as Blackburn expanded during the Industrial Revolution, with culverting carried out to control flooding, improve sanitation and allow the growing town to develop over the river. By the late 19th century, more than 1,000 feet of the Blakewater had disappeared underground, while further extensive culverting began in earnest around 1962 during the redevelopment of Blackburn town centre. The resulting underground route is a fascinating mixture of old and new construction, sections of Victorian stonework, iron roof support columns, concrete culverts, side passages and overflow structures, with parts of the system rebuilt or reinforced in 2014 during the Cathedral Quarter development. The Blakewater remains an active part of Blackburn’s drainage and flood management system, eventually leaving the town and joining the River Darwen near Witton Country Park.