THE years between 1890 and the end of the First World War was a time of prosperity and growth for Darwen.

The population boomed and the town's iconic tower, standing guard on the highest point of the town, was opened to the public.

Its design was created by David Ellison, a clerk in the borough engineer's office and stone came from Red Delph Quarry on Darwen Hill.

A crowd, 3,000 strong watched the Lord of the Manor, Rev Duckworth open the edifice in 1898 - public subscriptions had raised £2,000 for its construction, which cost £800.

The Nursing Association benefited from the residue, although it also paid for some patients to go to convalescent hospitals.

School children enjoyed Queen Victoria's golden jubilee with two days holiday from their desks and received oranges and new pennies.

By 1900 Darwen already had two parks, Whitehall, which had been opened in 1879 and Bold Venture opened two years earlier, although an extension was added just before the turn of the century.

Distinguished local families donated several ornaments to decorate this new open space, including fountains - the first was the Lightbown in Whitehall Park, given by the mayoress, Mrs T Lightbown.

Bandstands, bridges and drinking fountains were also donated, as well as the Gillibrand Observatory in Bold Venture Park, by Coun J W Gillibrand.

In 1901, Mr and Mrs F Hindle, presented an aviary to the park, which contained 150 birds from various countries.

In the 19th century, cricket in Darwen was played at the Barley bank ground - until it was sold by the Lord of the Manor, so in 1901 a group of friends held a meeting to form a cricket club.

At its first AGM the following year, it was agreed they should join the Darwen League and a ground was obtained at Moss Farm.

They won the league in 1903 and moved to another new ground, Birch Hall, in 1905.

Darreners were always enthusiastic in celebrating national and Royal events, so even though the coronation of Edward VII was moved from June to August 1902, because of his health, the town went ahead with its planned programme of events.

Festivities took place over four days, as bunting and flags hung from all the principal buildings.

The main event was a procession along Market Street and Duckworth Street and then back to the market ground for a service.

Civic dignitaries enjoyed a luncheon at the Co-operative Industrial Hall.

Other events included a children's service, during which Pickup Bank Band played, and a gala, while an oak tree was also planted in Bold Venture Park.

* The life and history of the town during these three decades can be found in Darwen in its Hey Day, written by Anne Hull and published by Heritage Publications.

* Pix courtesy of Darwen Days.