Burnley's Markets & Mill Shops
Markets
In 1294 Edward I granted a charter to Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln and his heirs…
“that they shall have a weekly market on Tuesday at the manor of Brumeley in the county of Lancaster and a yearly fair there on three days, that is on the eve, day and the morrow of the apostles Peter and Paul”
Not long afterwards a market cross was erected outside St. Peter’s church where the market and fair were held. This is almost certainly the so-called Paulinus cross which can still be seen in the garden of the old grammar school opposite Sainsbury’s. The hustle and bustle of the markets and fairs of that time can only be imagined but now more than 700 years later the market still continues in Burnley.
With more than 200 stalls offering every type of bargain under the sun - food, clothes, shoes, lighting, aromatherapy oils, flowers - you will be spoilt for choice. Burnley markets offer some of the best prices in the North West and you will be served by some of the friendliest people.
Look out for the lively Continental Market in October for food and gifts from different parts of Europe – French Cheese and Pastries, German Sausages, delicacies from Poland and Spain; and don’t forget the traditional Pot Fair which has returned with its vociferous stall-holders encouraging customers to buy their goods.
Mill Shops
With a vast choice of goods to rival most town centre shopping areas, mill shops let you buy the little luxuries of life without having to spend a fortune on them. Burnley has some of the best mill shopping in the area with places where you can find bargains galore to decorate and re-furnish your house from top to bottom; find that perfect gift for friends or family; or treat yourself to a new outfit.
The largest mill shop in Burnley is Barden Mill, located on the banks of the Leeds and Liverpool canal it has more than 30,000 sq. ft. of bargains under one roof, including furniture, mirrors, candles, pictures, clothes and shoes. Sherry’s Lancashire Mill Shop in Padiham specialises in bed linen, curtains and towels, but it also offers a wide variety of quality crafts and gifts for all the family, while Craftrange is ideal for the dedicated crafter who will be able to find everything they need – paper, card, ribbons, stamps and stickers.
A profusion of dress and curtain fabrics at Oak Mount Mill Shop, home furnishings at Brands at Home and wallpaper at Graham and Brown are just a selection of the things that are available at our mill shops why not come to Burnley and see for your self. Whether you are a dedicated shopper or are just looking of for a bargain you are bound to find exactly what you need.
In the novel "The Ipcress File" the character of Harry Palmer, played by Michael Caine in the movie, came from Burnley ? not a lot of people know that.