Local History of Blackburn Lancashire

[StSilas]

Hi everyone,

I am looking for assistance. I am one of the year 6 teachers at St Silas primary school in Blackburn and we are wanting to complete a topic on the history of Blackburn. To make it relevant to the children, I would like to focus on a number of houses in the vicinity of the school and identify the families that lived there, the number of people in the house and employment.

Being honest, I am far from a Historian and all the research that I have done just takes me in the direction of subscription sites that the school cannot afford.

I would greatly appreciate any assistance and I am sure that the children will really enjoy the topic if they can identify the street and buildings that we are researching.

Many thanks.

[heywood]

Hello and welcome
I did something similar once - looking at an existing row of houses through the censuses and old maps. It was a long time  ago but it was enjoyable as it showed migration into the area because of the cotton mills  and mines too.
Your local library probably has access to Ancestry and/or Find My Past which would give you access to 1841- 1911 censuses and local history centre would have maps.
These sites will show you various maps based on your school post code (or any other)
https://www.old-maps.co.uk/#/
https://www.archiuk.com/. (Go to ‘Find old maps then enter post code)

I am sure there will be more ideas coming forward.
Good luck
Heywood

[AntonyMMM]

I grew up in your area and know the surrounding streets very well.

I'd be glad to help (gratis) if I can .... I'll send you a PM (personal message).

[majm]

Hi,

From Australia, Welcome.

You need to make at least one more reply so that you can receive personal messages.

Cheers, 

JM

[AntonyMMM]

Just for info - I am in touch with the teacher and am putting some things together for them.

(as I my first job c1976 was delivering newspapers in the streets all around that school I feel I should give them a hand )

[heywood]

That’s good to know, Anthony.

[Maiden Stone]

I like this from the History topic on St. Silas school website:
"As historians children should ask perceptive questions, think critically, weigh evidence, sift arguments, and develop perspective and judgement."
It could apply to RootsChat. 
https://www.stsilasprimary.co.uk/learning/history/

One of my ancestors was born in Blackburn. His family lived there for a short while. A 9 year-old in the family was an unemployed part-timer in a mill on a census. He may have spent the other part of his day at school.