Location: Town and civil parish in the Borough of Pendle, Lancashire, England.
Population: 29,135 (2011 Census).
Proximity: 3 miles north of Burnley, 2 miles southwest of Colne.
Development: Evolved as a mill town during the Industrial Revolution.
Geographic and Administrative Details
Area: 4.64 km²
Population Density: 16,187/sqmi (6,250/km²)
OS Grid Reference: SD856376
Distance to London: 182.74 miles SSE
Council: Part of Pendle Borough Council and Lancashire County Council.
Historical Background
Ancient History: Nearby Iron Age hillfort, Castercliff.
Medieval Connections: Part of the manor of Ightenhill and Colne.
Industrial Growth: Spurred by textiles (spinning and weaving) and transportation infrastructure like the Leeds and Liverpool Canal (1796) and East Lancashire Railway (1849).
Coal Mining: Evidence of old mining activities; Clough Head Colliery was notable but had a troubled history.
Textile Industry: Significant cotton industry, peaking with 57 cotton spinners by 1891.
Political History
Incorporation: Became a municipal borough in 1890.
Political Leanings: Known for radical left-wing politics in the early 20th century; called "Little Moscow."
Local Government Act 1972: Became part of the non-metropolitan district of Pendle.
Current Governance: Coalition of independents and Liberal Democrats.
Demographics
Racial Composition (2011): 52.8% White (44% White British), 45.4% Asian, 0.1% Black, 1.5% Mixed, 0.2% Other.
Religious Composition: Christians (39.0%), Muslims (37.6%).
Economic Activity: 59.9% of adults aged 16-74 are economically active.