Mill Hill Congregational Church

As it says on the photo, this is the Congregational Church at Mill Hill, which stood on the New Chapel Street end of New Wellington Street. The foundation stone was laid on February 20th 1859 and the church opened for worship on Sept 19th 1860.

In 1920 a black & white marble tablet was placed in the west wall, bearing the names of ''Twenty scholars who made the supreme sacrifice'' during the First World War. A roll of honour in an oak frame, no doubt bearing the names of many more local lads (and lasses?) who had fallen, was also placed in the vestibule.

I've no information as to when the church was demolished, but it was probably in the 1960's.

Courtesy of the CP collection

Mill Hill Railway Station - 1910

The platform at Mill Hill Station. I think we're looking towards Blackburn, but I could be wrong. Possibly early 20th century, but if anyone can date the uniforms and can narrow it down to a decade, I can always amend the title.

(I have since found out this photo is from 1910, so title amended)

COURTESY OF THE CP COLLECTION

New Chapel Street - Mill Hill (c1950)

(Please click on the image to expand it a little)

To tie in with the previous post, here's another view of Mill Hill. This is New Chapel Street. I'm not sure if the '1950' on the left is an indication of the year, or a serial number on the image, but looking at the mode of dress, it would appear to be a photograph taken around that time.

In the distance, at the far end of the street, is Mill Hill Congregational Church, which replaced the original chapel (after which the street takes its name). The original chapel was just a room or two, on the upper floor of the school which once stood behind the low wall on the right, kind of behind the bicycle's rear wheel.

COURTESY OF COTTONTOWN & THE COMMUNITY STUDIES DEPT. BLACKBURN LIBRARY.

INFO COURTESY OF PETER WORDEN AND ROBIN WHALLEY

Mill Hill Railway Station c1900

I can't personally remember Mill Hill Railway Station, looking like this. Throughout my lifetime, I think there has always just been steps from the road, down to the platforms. Those 5 metal panels on the right are still there today and 3 of the ones on the left remain, but the rest have been replaced by walling.

Looking on an old map from 1933, that large mill in the background, stood on the corner of Mill Hill Street and Queen Victoria Street (kind of opposite where A.P. Taylor Glass are now) and was part of the Waterfall Mill complex. Waterfall Mills, as well as being on Peel Street, stretched quite a way down Queen Victoria Street.

(update) I have it on good authority from my brother Bill, that his mate Geoff, remembers the station looking like this in the late 1950's or early 60's. In fact he thinks he remembers the kid stood in the centre;-)

COURTESY OF THE CP COLLECTION

New Chapel Street - Mill Hill - 1901

(Same photo as above, just slightly enlarged)

You don't see many old postcards or images of Mill Hill. It's a shame really, as lots of Mill Hill has remained the same over the years. Not that the folks around there still travel about on pony & traps or anything, but the properties on the main streets are pretty much unchanged.

This photo dates to 1901

COURTESY OF THE CP COLLECTION