Timeline of the Exchange
Captured Moments in Time
![Essoldo buys the Majestic](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4730.jpeg)
Essoldo buys the Majestic
- 05 January 1956
5 January 1956 On this day, Kinematograph Weekly reported that: ‘The Essoido Circuit has acquired the New Majestic, Blackburn, having purchased all the shares of Majestic
![CINEMA STAFF ESCAPE PRISON](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/61A7B779-D63D-4561-9ADF-C9544D9BD767-948x1024.jpeg)
CINEMA STAFF ESCAPE PRISON
- 17 August 1954
CINEMA STAFF UP ON THE ROOF ESCAPE PRISON On this day in history, 17 August 1954, the Lancashire Evening Post reported on the court case of
![3-D GRAND REOPENING OF THE MAJESTIC](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4695-1024x576.webp)
3-D GRAND REOPENING OF THE MAJESTIC
- 02 November 1953
Crowds queued in the rain for two hours to the long awaited grand reopening of the Majestic Cinema on Monday 2 November 1953 at 7pm for
![£10 fine for Peeping Tom](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1953/02/IMG_4718-1024x724.png)
£10 fine for Peeping Tom
- 26 February 1953
On 26 February 1953 it was reported that a peeping tom had been fined £10 after being found up a drainpipe trying to see into the
![Fire watcher Found Dead](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1944/02/IMG_4711-1024x680.jpeg)
Fire watcher Found Dead
- 02 February 1944
Samuel Wilson, Troop Street, Blackburn found dead at the cinema - he was employed there as a fire watcher - Manchester Evening News reports him as
![DEATH OF MAJESTIC CINEMA MOGUL](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/24EA7343-ABFA-4B2D-BF2C-D7155BA686B9-1024x606.jpeg)
DEATH OF MAJESTIC CINEMA MOGUL
- 28 March 1935
This is how death of the manager of the Majestic Cinema at The Exchange, Blackburn made the headlines in theatre circles in 1935. There will
![Confectioners Association Grand Social and Dance](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1933/11/IMG_4508-e1691874004590-1024x497.jpeg)
Confectioners Association Grand Social and Dance
- 23 November 1933
The Exchange Assembly Rooms on Town Hall Street was the venue for a grand social and dance by the Blackburn and District Retail Confectioners Association in
![Bonny Baby Lookalikes](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1933/12/IMG_4620-e1691872191387-728x1024.jpeg)
Bonny Baby Lookalikes
- 16 August 1933
Over 500 fond Blackburn mothers have offspring who resemble Baby Leroy, the child film star who appears with Maurice Chevalier at the Majestic Cinema this week
![Sale of the Majestic Cinema](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4621-1024x941.jpeg)
Sale of the Majestic Cinema
- 27 May 1932
The sale by auction of the Majestic Cinema. Blackburn. by Richard Hoyle and Son. of Manchester, which took place in Thatched House, Newmarket valuation which amounted
![Salvation Army Service](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4521-1024x661.jpeg)
Salvation Army Service
- 09 November 1929
"OUR GLORIOUS DEAD." ARMISTICE ANNIVERSARY ARRANGEMENTS AT BLACKBURN. (Blackburn Times) Tomorrow is Armistice Sunday, and, in addition to special services at various places of worship, the
![£20k Pools Cheque Ceremony](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/5E7E81E8-538E-4973-A6C4-BEF4BDAE456C-974x1024.jpeg)
£20k Pools Cheque Ceremony
- 01 September 1928
£20,000 is an amazing amount of money to win on the football pools by today’s standards, but when Tom Hartley of 121 Higher Audley Street, Blackburn
![WRITING ON THE WALL](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1920/07/IMG_4720-1024x724.png)
WRITING ON THE WALL
- 01 July 1920
In July 1920, the Blackburn Times reported the case of a local man who was fined for writing indecent words on the lavatory walls of the
![Bobby Crompton Cinema Court Case](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/8FF0C0C7-5D09-4DB6-B3FA-BAE4C6F55DEA-e1693080969872.jpeg)
Bobby Crompton Cinema Court Case
- 10 June 1920
Three days were devoted in the Chancery Court at Manchester to the hearing by Vice. Chancellor R. Lawrence, K.C., of an action arising out
![Cinema Manager fined](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1914/03/IMG_4717-1024x683.png)
Cinema Manager fined
- 11 March 1914
Cinema Manager, John Darbyshire Rawlinshire fined for allowing children under the age of 14 into the cinema after 6pm without a parent or guardian
![‘The Trappers’ Wild West](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4725-e1693085476371-1024x690.jpeg)
‘The Trappers’ Wild West
- 04 October 1909
There was crowded house at Exchange Hall, Blackburn, last night see an excellent picture programme, while the variety fair was also very good. " The Trappers"
![Backhaus – The Greatest Pianist Of the World](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4727-e1693170162934.jpeg)
Backhaus – The Greatest Pianist Of the World
- 06 December 1906
Wilhelm Backhaus, hailed as ‘the Greatest Pianist of the World’ at the time, played at The Exchange on 6 December 1906 in the last of a
![Church Mission Overflows](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4728-836x1024.jpeg)
Church Mission Overflows
- 28 February 1901
In 1901 there was a UK-wide evangelistic mission initiated by the National Council of Evangelical Free Churches. Partnership events led by inspirational preachers with Bible
![Relocation of stage and removal of pillars](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Upstairs-refurb-with-lights-1024x768.jpg)
Relocation of stage and removal of pillars
- 30 April 1898
On this day in history, 30 April 1898, news was announced of modernisations and building alterations to the Exchange, Blackburn. These included relocating the stage to
![Poor turn out for Piano Great](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1896/01/IMG_4723-1024x683.png)
Poor turn out for Piano Great
- 02 January 1896
One of the world’s greatest pianists of the day, Alfred Reisenauer - a pupil of the composer Franz Liszt performed at The Exchange, Blackburn on 2
![Court Minstrels](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4512-e1691878358645.jpeg)
Court Minstrels
- 26 March 1890
The Livermore Brothers Court Minstrels were an English minstrel band who performed in blackface during the Victorian era. The program includes “American Song & Dance,” “The
![Whistling Alice Shaw](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4696-687x1024.jpeg)
Whistling Alice Shaw
- 29 November 1889
Known as 'La Belle Siffleuse' (The Beautiful Whistler) since her 1886 debut at a New York charity ball, Alice Shaw was a touring sensation in the
![Diana or Christ Painting Exhibition](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/EC13D604-7B47-4617-A8BE-15C643B823EA-1024x638.jpeg)
Diana or Christ Painting Exhibition
- 01 October 1889
In October 1889 this painting was the property of the Thwaites family and black and white artist’s proofs of this painting were exhibited for sale in
![Royal Visit Window View](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/IMG_4257-1024x580.jpeg)
Royal Visit Window View
- 09 May 1888
When the Prince and Princess of Wales came to Blackburn to lay the foundation stone of the technical college in May 1888, businesses and homeowners with
![Medium causes riot](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/IMG_4613-e1690388423637.png)
Medium causes riot
- 20 September 1887
Anna Fay an American medium/stage Mesmerist created a riot when the audience uncovered the secrets of her tricks. The police had to be called
![‘Magic lantern’ Planetary Lecture](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4739-1024x655.jpeg)
‘Magic lantern’ Planetary Lecture
- 03 March 1885
A lecture was given entitled, ‘Modern Discoveries connected with our Planetary System,” Illustrated with an Oxy-Hydrogen Lantern. It was presented by the Rev S J Perry,
![The Grand Venetian Makeover](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/0d654d23-b50f-4541-a222-3f9dd74b2d73.jpg)
The Grand Venetian Makeover
- 05 February 1885
On Thursday 5th February 1885, a grand Venetian fair was held at the Exchange to raise money for the building of St Matthew's Church, Higher Audley.
![Professor Andre’s Alpine Choir](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/BA25B113-16C6-429D-8DA4-E1D94BB6CA5A.jpeg)
Professor Andre’s Alpine Choir
- 13 February 1882
Professor Andre’s Alpine Choir performed annually for several years at The Exchange as part of a UK tour. Dressed in Swiss costume, they performed a mix
![Theatre and a New Stage](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/OIG.jpg)
Theatre and a New Stage
- 12 November 1881
The Exchange had become a popular venue for live shows, so the owners decided to focus on its new role by applying for a theatrical license
![Mesmerist – Annie De Montford](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/0EE4FD8D-81B9-4428-9687-2245547AADAC-e1619741286492-1024x678.jpeg)
Mesmerist – Annie De Montford
- 26 February 1877
February 26th 1877 for six nights only, Miss Annie De Montford appeared at The Exchange, pronounced by the press and public of the time as ‘the
![Right on Cue](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1871/02/IMG_4724-1024x683.png)
Right on Cue
- 11 February 1871
The Exchange hosted a championship billiard match between the world’s greatest players of the time, rivals, John Roberts junior and William Cook. You can read all
![“Greatest Showman” Performers, The Giantess, the Siamese Twins and the Circassian Lady, Visit the Exchange](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SiameseTwins_AnnaSwan_ZoebidaLuti_BG-1024x1024.jpg)
“Greatest Showman” Performers, The Giantess, the Siamese Twins and the Circassian Lady, Visit the Exchange
- 18 June 1869
On the 18th of June 1869, Blackburn was host to an exhibition of well-known celebrities - Miss Anna Swan, the Giantess, Chang and Eng Bunker, the
![Charles Dickens](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4736.jpeg)
Charles Dickens
- 19 April 1869
Charles Dickens gives a reading of A Christmas Carol at the Exchange as part of a UK tour. In 1913, a letter was published revealing
![Mrs Howard Paul](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Dog_and_Cat__from_Patchwork.jpg)
Mrs Howard Paul
- 12 January 1869
The renowned Mr and Mrs Howard Paul performed at the Exchange on the 12th January, 1869. They reportedly impersonated at least a dozen different phases of
![Lorenzo Fowler – Phrenologist](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/combined.png)
Lorenzo Fowler – Phrenologist
- 27 April 1867
Phrenology is a pseudoscience that involves the measurement of bumps on the skull to predict mental traits. It is based on the concept that the brain
![Loitering Causes a Nuisance](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/6c396c5f-9bcc-49f6-9e3d-61b02e08484f.jpg)
Loitering Causes a Nuisance
- 09 December 1865
A historical incident of public nuisance was recorded in the Preston Herald on December 9, 1865. According to the newspaper, some gentlemen had been causing trouble
![A Quiet Opening](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/The-Exchange-12-1024x683.jpg)
A Quiet Opening
- 06 May 1865
The new Exchange building, which had been under construction for several years, finally opened its doors to the public on 6th May 1865. The opening was
![GRAND OPENING CONCERT](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/IMG_4714-1024x683.png)
GRAND OPENING CONCERT
- 26 April 1865
26 April 1865 Blackburn Standard MORNING NEWS The CONCERT AT THE EXCHANGE – The concert with which the new Exchange building is to be opened this
![Injury at the Construction Site](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/injured.jpg)
Injury at the Construction Site
- 30 January 1864
Did you know that the Exchange was not built without risks? One of the workers who helped build the new Exchange had a terrible accident on
![Updated Plans and the Cotton Famine](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/6921e533-0d9a-4f71-bbd2-5b6c564ff372.jpg)
Updated Plans and the Cotton Famine
- 28 November 1863
The Exchange Comittee held their annual general meeting on the 27th November 1863. In their update, they announced another sixty members had joined the group in
![Exchange Hotel TO LET](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/CD05CD39-7B92-4DCC-9F00-F99FD6B4B8FE-1024x502.jpeg)
Exchange Hotel TO LET
- 12 May 1863
Research by Kevin Pemburthy Three weeks after the laying of the foundation stone, a notice was placed in the local press by the secretary of the
![Laying of the Foundation Stone](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/23F67613-0833-4B3C-991B-2AE1853B323F.jpeg)
Laying of the Foundation Stone
- 10 March 1863
Almost two and a half years after the designs for the Exchange had been chosen, the foundation stone for the Blackburn Exchange building was finally laid.
![Building Work Begins!](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/a0407efc-ce6e-4239-8eb4-256f658654c3.jpg)
Building Work Begins!
- 29 November 1862
On the 29th November 1862, the Preston Chronicle announced that building work on the new Exchange had begun! It was expected that the work should be
![Design competition rerun](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Exchange-Hall.jpg)
Design competition rerun
- 31 March 1860
On the 31 March 1860 the Blackburn Times carried an advertisement and editorial article promoting a competition for architects and builders to submit designs for the
![Where to build a new Exchange?](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/1860/01/6d8b57a2-ec53-497b-ac79-2e3e243aa4e1.jpg)
Where to build a new Exchange?
- 11 January 1860
By January 1860, things were well underway for the development of a new Exchange building and a commitee had been formed to investigate possible sites for
![Move to the Town Hall](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Town-Hall-013_jpg.jpg)
Move to the Town Hall
- 07 January 1857
Blackburn was incorporated in 1851, when it was given a corporation and a Mayor. To mark the event, a new Town Hall was to be built
![Exchange Plans Fail](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/18510910_blackburn_standard.png)
Exchange Plans Fail
- 10 September 1851
Having bought land on the corner of Church St and Darwen Street, the Exchange committee sought to raise £20,000 to fund their new building. However, an
![Exchange Company Blackburn Founded](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/RC6585865-a0cc4ec3-83d6-45fe-9eb2-45cb245f3a68_6585865_BT_41_68_369_002-647x1024.jpg)
Exchange Company Blackburn Founded
- 20 April 1850
The plans to build an Exchange on the corner of Church Street and Darwen Street had been put on hold for a number of years due
![Exchange Plans Unveiled](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Exchange_Church_Street_Design.png)
Exchange Plans Unveiled
- 22 July 1846
Thirty entries were received in the competition to design a new Cotton Exchange building. The designs were put on public display and judged by the respected
![Proposed New Exchange in Blackburn](https://exchangeblackburn.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/18460204_Advert_Exchange_Architect_Competition.png)
Proposed New Exchange in Blackburn
- 04 February 1846
In 1846, mill owners and traders used to meet at the Bull Inn Hotel on Church Street, Blackburn to buy and sell cotton for use in