THERE are only a few copies of A History of Blackburn Town and Parish now still available from Lesley's News on Blackburn Market.

First published in 1877 and written by William Abram, it is seen as the definitive book on Blackburn and its surrounding towns.

It was re-printed by Heritage Publications last year, with larger text, but with a limited run and there are no plans to republish it again.

The history book discusses the old manor houses, its gentry as well as detailed information of Blackburn’s surrounding towns and villages.

It outlines such historical landmarks as the local transactions of the great Civil War, including important battles; gives memorials of men of public fame sprung from the parish; and includes illustrations of early domestic architecture in several of the area’s fine old halls and mansions.