Accrington through the 19th Century - new book

Bob Dobson · 19-04-2013, 20:52

In 1925-7, a series of 100 weekly articles appeared in the Observer under the heading of 'Accrington A Century Ago' They were written by the editor, Richard Crossley, and his pal, historian/author Richard Ainsworth and covered many topics, mentioned many people and visited many places in the town and the outlying district. Some years ago, Robert Cunliffe, descended from Accrington stock and then living in the town, typed them out and stored them on his computer. He has now published them in book form and added some photos. It is a 300-page paperback which (hopefully) will soon be on sale in the library and is now in the tourism office in the town hall, as well as in Pam's Book End shop in Gt Harwood and at Robert's 'Silver Lining' gift stall in Blackburn Market.

It is my opinion that this is the best book on the general history of the town to be published in the last 80years. It doesn't have an index, but the contents page gives a good indication of the contents of each 'chapter'. It covers (approx.) 1814-1914.

Details from Robert :- [email protected] The book should be getting a mention in the Observer and Telegraph very soon.

Pudwoppa · 20-04-2013, 09:37

Available on ebay too (link) via the author. Might have to make a purchase with such a good recommendation.

Bob Dobson · 20-04-2013, 18:43

If you order from the author/publisher, you will be notified of the next Accrington book he will be publishing. On request, he will sign it for you.

Bob Dobson · 22-04-2013, 22:09

I have been told that there is a hiccup with the library stocking it , but the Town Hall have them. Expect to see summat in the papers in the coming week, and summat in The Acorn magazine in May.

Bob Dobson · 23-04-2013, 19:08

I have sent emails out to many in my address book with an attachment which cannot be read. If this applies to you - come back to me.

Bob Dobson · 28-04-2013, 07:58

Robert Cunliffe tells me that the library appear to be stopping selling books, but are giving it further thought. Don't hold your breath on that. However, the Tourism Office in the Town Hall ARE selling it , also the Heritage Centre in the Market Hall. Nothing on it yet in the Observer or Telegraph. I have had several emails expressing satisfaction with it.

Morecambe Ex Pat · 18-01-2016, 13:10

Is this book still available?

Retlaw · 18-01-2016, 13:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

In 1925-7, a series of 100 weekly articles appeared in the Observer under the heading of 'Accrington A Century Ago' They were written by the editor, Richard Crossley, and his pal, historian/author Richard Ainsworth and covered many topics, mentioned many people and visited many places in the town and the outlying district. Some years ago, Robert Cunliffe, descended from Accrington stock and then living in the town, typed them out and stored them on his computer. He has now published them in book form and added some photos. It is a 300-page paperback which (hopefully) will soon be on sale in the library and is now in the tourism office in the town hall, as well as in Pam's Book End shop in Gt Harwood and at Robert's 'Silver Lining' gift stall in Blackburn Market.

It is my opinion that this is the best book on the general history of the town to be published in the last 80years. It doesn't have an index, but the contents page gives a good indication of the contents of each 'chapter'. It covers (approx.) 1814-1914.

Details from Robert :- [email protected] The book should be getting a mention in the Observer and Telegraph very soon.

Higher Dobbo.
Just seen this thread about Acc a century ago. I copied a few articles from those Observers yonks ago, and started checking some of those stories and tales, you wouldn't believe the errors when checked against the census returns, and historical documents, which you know I have quite a few. Typical of some of them articles, why let the truth get in the way of a good story, especiually Ainsworth's writings, and more so his Old Homesteads he even contradicts him self several time in that, and I've never found any documentation down at Kew Record Office, to verify any of those old homestead tales, and he really drops some clangers when he gets to th Alma Inn.

Bob Dobson · 18-01-2016, 14:14

Morecambe Ex-Pat. I am sure it is available - drop a line to Robert - post No1

I am sure that Retlaw is correct that many erro0rs have appeared as facts in old newspapers.

Balbus · 18-01-2016, 19:44

Or new newspapers!

kaff · 04-03-2016, 17:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I have been told that there is a hiccup with the library stocking it , but the Town Hall have them. Expect to see summat in the papers in the coming week, and summat in The Acorn magazine in May.

We had a trip to Accrington yesterday and if the book is available at the Town Hall perhaps someone should tell the Town Hall to save anyone else a wasted journey.

Bob Dobson · 04-03-2016, 20:08

Kaff- are you saying that the Town Hal have not got them ?- message me your email address and I will put you in touch with the book's publisher.

Rob1912 · 04-03-2016, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaff

We had a trip to Accrington yesterday and if the book is available at the Town Hall perhaps someone should tell the Town Hall to save anyone else a wasted journey.

The book was privately published in 2013 and the Town Hall and Heritage Museum were selling them. When the print run ran out they no longer sold them. The book is still available on Amazon and on Lulu.com