TODAY we take a trip through time, to look at Darwen down the years
We've trawled our archives to find scenic images and people and events, which have all helped shape the town's rich heritage.
Cotton and coal, paper and plastic have all played a big part in the industrial success of Darwen - at one time the town had 33 textile mills, while records show paper was being made here as early as 1818, in what was then the world's largest paper factory.
Darwen's growth was reflected in its population - in 1800 only 3,500 people lived there, but by 1900, this figure had risen to 38,000.
Surrounded by moorland, walking and cycling became popular leisure pursuits, though cricket and football - Darwen FC was the first English club to field professional players - flourished too, while the corporation opened green parklands, with lakes and wildlife, for the young and old to enjoy.
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