Chorley blue plaque trail honours town's history makers
Chorley's history brought to life as new blue plaque trail is unveiled
A new blue plaque trail celebrating the people who helped shape Chorley’s past is set to open across the town centre after more than a decade of planning.
Created by the Chorley Heritage Centre Group, the trail features 13 plaques honouring individuals who played an important role in the town’s development. The plaques recognise figures from Chorley’s history, including community leaders, artists, politicians and scientists, who helped transform the town over the years.
Nine of the plaques have already been installed, with the remaining additions expected to follow as part of the completed heritage trail. The dedicated plaques include names such as George Birtill OBE, Susannah Brooke, John Hollinshead.
Local historian and vice chair of the Chorley Heritage Centre Group, Bill Walker, said the project had been a long-term ambition since it was first developed in 2011, but progress had been slowed by funding challenges.
"We haven't yet got a heritage centre, but we have got 13 blue plaques going up in and around Chorley town centre and nine of them are already in place," he said.
Mr Walker said the trail had only been possible thanks to support from a number of organisations and local donations.
"We were very fortunate indeed to receive a legacy from the Chorley Chamber of Trade, which supplied three quarters of the cost. Along with Chorley Council's Social Value Fund, donations and the Chorley Heritage funds, we've been able to put together this town centre trail of blue plaques."
The group decided to focus the trail around Chorley town centre to highlight the story of how the area has evolved from a small township into a successful borough over the past 250 years.
Mr Walker said the project was a chance for both residents and visitors to discover more about the people and events that shaped Chorley.
"I want to thank everyone involved for their hard work on this project. It's a great trail and I hope people enjoy seeking out the blue plaques and learning more about the heritage of Chorley."
Details of the Chorley Blue Plaque Trail, including a map showing the plaque locations, are available on the Chorley Heritage Centre website at www.chorleyheritagecentre.co.uk.