Where are Darwen’s historical documents?

5:19pm Sunday 4th May 2008

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As reported in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in December 2006, Darwen documents had been abandoned, covered in asbestos dust under Darwen Town Hall.

Following this report a few months later all the documents had disappeared, where? no one seems to know or more likely they are just not saying.

I know for a fact that some of the B With D Council employees where afraid to voice there objection at the way the council handled the treatment of a TOWN's historical documentation, for fear of losing their jobs. Whilst I can understand their position I think it is about time someone spoke out and told the people of Darwen what has happened to their documents.

I know that some have gone to the Museum and some are at the moment being stored at Blackburn Library, awaiting shipment to the Lancashire Records Office.

This only accounts for around 5% of the documents, so what has happened to the other 95%? Have they been shredded? Dumped? Burnt or sold?

Below is an inventory of documents removed by the council and if compared to the photographs the quantity of documents far exceeded this inventory (Inventory sent to me via email, if anyone knows of an official inventory I would like a copy) These are questions that I want answering, so if anyone knows anything about the documents please let me know.

If you take a look at the pictures and you will see the amount of documentation I am talking about and its not just a few hundred, it is thousands, all pertaining to Darwen before its merger with Blackburn.

Inventory of Records within the Basement of Darwen Town Hall.

2 books containing Committee of Education Minutes Dating 1923-1945.

17 books containing Board of Committee Minutes (all Committee minutes within these dates are signed) Dating 1923-1963.

Annual health reports for Darwen Dating 1895-1906, 1922-1957.

Corporation account books for Darwen Dating 1904-1957.

Registration of development of lower class properties(This book was written and signed but didn't get dates From and to).

Registration of planning acceptance to out buildings i.e. Coal sheds, outside toilets (This book was written and Signed but didn't get dates from and to).

Local land charges Dating 1970-1971.

Local government purchases Dating 1933.

Declaration of acceptance of office 2 books signed.

Council committee minutes (printed) Dating 1968-1972.

Corporation purchase files (housing the corporation has Purchased back off private home owners dating within the 60's).

Health committee reports (printed but didn't get dates).

Council committee minutes (all these books are Printed) Dating 5th May 1948-6th May 1963.

To view more pictures of documents please visit Darwen Local History Societies website.

If anyone has any information about the documents please email darwenhs@hotmail.co.uk