The Heritage Centre

The Oswaldtwistle Mills Heritage Centre is a tribute to the history of the local area.

It is the first tribute to the valiant Accrington Pals battalion, 235 of whom were killed and 350 injured during just 10 minutes at the Battle of the Somme on July 1st 1916. The exhibition features photographs, historical documentation from the war, and is essential viewing for visitors with an interest in local history or the First World War.

The exhibition also covers a variety of topics in the history of Oswaldtwistle, dating as far back as 4000BC, including how the town got its name, the pagan sacrifice of King Oswald, the use of the town as a prisoner of war camp in World War II and the development of the cotton trade which is such a vital part of Oswaldtwistle Mills’ history. The history of the mill itself is also covered, along with the tools and machines used within Oswaldtwistle Mills. Explore the industrial revolution and follow the history of Oswaldtwistle Mills through it at the Heritage Centre.

Trace the mills geography with a diorama of the mill as it was including the local area, see how the mill worked on a miniature scale!

The Heritage Centre is situated between our Gourmet Deli and Peacocks, admission is free.