The history of Blackburn's Market

The origin of Blackburn Market is lost in the veil of time but the earliest date known was in 567 AD and it was usual for markets to be held within the grounds of The Cathedral.

In 1101 the Market moved to an area bounded by Church Street, Darwen Street, Mill Lane, Market Street Lane and Astley Gate. At the top of Church Street Robert de Lacy erected a Market Cross, but it was completely destroyed during the Civil War in 1642 and never replaced.

In 1803 the power to hold Markets was vested in the Town Commissioners, later called Improvement Commissioners.

In 1848 a new Market Hall was built with an Open Market adjacent to the Town Hall. A clock Tower was built at the King William Street side of the Market Hall, the clock tower had a brass ball which was raised at 12 noon and lowered at 1 pm. When the ball returned to the bottom at 12 noon a cannon was fired.

In 1872 a 2nd Market Hall and a Fish Market had been added to the Market.

In the early 1960's the proposal was made to move the Market to a new site all under cover and the building of a Shopping Centre would benefit all. The river Blakewater was culverted and the new Market opened in 1964.However, the local market still retains it's traditional feel and is the second biggest in the country. The market offers Lancashire specialities such as locally produced cheeses and black puddings. However, a trip to the market isn't complete without a visit to the Walsh's Chemist stall where glasses of traditional sarsaparilla are served. You can buy a small jar of Sarsaparilla extract and make this herbal beverage in the comfort of your own home. The indoor market also boasts an excellent fish market.

Blackburn Fig Pie, a tart with figs, spices, treacle and currants used to be a traditional Mothering Sunday treat. If anyone knows the recipe for this please could they let us know. 

Late in 2009 the market will undergo a transformation as it moves to a new purpose built home in the extended Blackburn shopping centre.  Connected by escalators and lifts to the department stores and parking above it, our new market will offer traditional values in a modern and bright environment.

The Council has taken a 35 year lease on the new premises and will be investing £7.5m in the internal fittings alone. Traders will also be making a substantial investment on their stalls and fittings.

There will be continuity of trade when stallholders from the existing market relocate to the new site.  The new market will concentrate on supplying quality, fresh and locally sourced food stuffs and services for a minimum of six days per week.

There will also be a traditional outside market on the usual three days – and this will be added to by a variety of special markets, such as pot fairs, Christmas and seasonal markets and collectors markets etc. Visit this site for updates – or register for our e-news letter.