AN 1844 map of Blackburn has been produced, the latest in a series being put together by a north east company.

Heritage Cartography offers hand drawn Victorian maps of English towns as they appeared in the mid 19th century.

Its new Blackburn project reflects a fascinating time in its industrial, political and social develoment.

Blackburn 1844 was at a pivotal point in its history - the Industrial Revolution was converting it from a sleepy market town into a thriving, modern commercial and manufacturing centre.

The start of this development is seen in thr many small coal pits to the south, but there is no evidence of any large scale mining at the time.

The building of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through Blackburn has resulted in several large mills being sited on its banks, although one of the main influences in Blackburn's development, the railway, has still to reach its heart. There is evidence, however, that it is advancing on the town from the south east - and it will prove a catalyst for bringing Blackburn into the modern age.

In 1844, despite working in large scale industry, nobody in the town lives further than a few hundred yards from the countryside.

l The map can be bought at Blackburn Library and the tourist information centre. It is available uncoloured at £8.50 and coloured at £25.