THE new development on the site of the former County Hotel at the junction of Preston New Road and Yew Tree Drive, Blackburn, is a splendid example of modern housing.

But that little corner of Blackburn is heaped in tales from the past.

The County Hotel was of course formerly the Moat House and previous to that the Saxon Inn.

The Saxon was built in 1971 and became Blackburn's premier hotel. It was also a landmark building and a grand gatehouse to any traveller entering the borough of Blackburn.

But some of our readers will remember a rather more under- stated hostelry standing on the site -- the Yew Tree Inn.

And in 1885 the Yew Tree was the scene of a violent killing.

Joseph Eddleston, 52, went to Mellor on Good Friday to visit one of his brothers.

On his way home he met a friend in Preston New Road by the Yew Tree Inn.

As they chatted a man called James Bailey along with two others came from the direction of Mellor.

An argument followed and Bailey struck Joseph twice and he fell to the ground unconscious.

Joseph was carried into the Yew Tree and when the police arrived they removed him to the police station.

After a doctor examined him he was taken home but never regained consciousness. His wife Jane said he died at about 1.30am on Easter Sunday morning.

An inquest was held at the Harrison's Arms, Taylor Street, and the jury unanimously agreed on a verdict of "manslaughter".

Joseph was buried in St Mary's Churchyard, Mellor. His wife was laid to rest in the same grave 13 years later.

Winding the tape on to more modern times ... on November 27, 1974, the Saxon's expansive roof collapsed as flames leapt from the 100-bedroom hotel. All guests and staff were evacuated safely.