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.
25. Historical Lancashire
The city of Preston in Lancashire, circa 1940. The Harp Inn on Church Street is visible just to right of centre | Getty Images
26. Historical Lancashire
Members of the French women's soccer team with child workers during a visit to Horrockses cotton mill in Preston, Lancashire, 29th April 1920. Among the French players are Germaine Delapierre (front, second from left) and Jeanne Janiaud (far right). (Photo by John Warwick Brooke/Topical Press Agency/Hulton Archive/Getty Images) | Getty Images