A fascinating chapter in the history of Mahatma Gandhi’s visit to East Lancashire will be explored at the next meeting of the Earby and District Local History Society.

Gandhi, one of the most influential figures of the 20th century, visited Britain on several occasions, attracting considerable public interest wherever he went, including in September 1931 when he stayed in East Lancashire from September 25th to 27th.

His visit included an overnight stay at Heys Farm Guest House in West Bradford, near to Clitheroe, where he famously looked out to Pendle Hill and declared it “a beautiful, glorious sight.”

Nick Burton will present the talk entitled “Gandhi’s Northern Holiday” on Tuesday, September 15th at New Road Community Centre, Earby, from 7-30pm to 9pm.

Earby History Society will welcome Nick Burton, who will give a talk entitled “Gandhi’s Northern Holiday” on Tuesday September 15th

placeholder image — Earby History Society will welcome Nick Burton, who will give a talk entitled “Gandhi’s Northern Holiday” on Tuesday September 15th

Burton’s talk will focus on Gandhi’s time in Lancashire, which promises to offer an intriguing insight into this lesser-known aspect of the Indian nationalist’s life and travels.

Gandhi first arrived at Spring Vale train station near Darwen, and primarily stayed at properties belonging to Quaker and Socialist sympathisers. During his trip, he visited several local cotton mills to see the impact of the Indian independence movement's boycott of British cotton goods on local textile workers.

The event is open to everyone, with admission costing £1 for society members and £1.50 for non-members. Anyone interested in local and wider history is encouraged to attend.

For further information about the Earby and District Local History Society, visit www.earbyhistory.co.uk⁠.

The society’s Archive Room is also open on Fridays from 10am until noon at the Community Centre, where visitors can discover more about the history of Earby and the surrounding district.