Lancashire began the 20th century as an industrial hub centred on traditional cotton mills and textiles. But after the First World War, there was a decline of the textile industry, partly due to competition from overseas and the Great Depression. It led to the closure of many mills and Lancashire diversified it’s industry. These photos focus on the cotton mills, mining towns, the wars, leisure time on the coast and, of course, the people of the century. They are a wonderful collection of pictures from the Getty Archive.
5. Historical Lancashire
24th October 1961: Clog-maker Harold Rogan of Churchgate at work making clogs in his workshop in Lancashire. | Getty Images
6. Historical Lancashire
May 1926: Volunteers working in a coal mine in Preston during the General Strike of 1926, in which trade union members from various key industries in Britain stopped work for a week in support of the miners, who were resisting the imposition of deteriorating working conditions. | Getty Images
7. Historical Lancashire
18th October 1939: A boy on his way to school climbs the steps in Brentfell Road, Blackburn, the front edges of which have been painted white to assist pedestrians during the black-out. | Getty Images
8. Historical Lancashire
26th January 1937: Billy Boy, who belongs to the headmistress of St Cuthbert's school at Darwen near Blackburn, has hardly missed a lesson since he was a puppy and likes to sit in on classes. | Getty Images