Burnley

Burnley, borough in Lancashire, north-western England, at the junction of the Brun and Calder rivers. Burnley is located in a former coal-mining region and was well known for its cotton industry. Now it has a mixed economy, with a variety of light industries manufacturing electrical equipment and appliances. Towneley Hall was the fortified home of the Towneley family from the 13th century to 1902, and is now a museum and art gallery. Burnley had an active wool industry as early as the 13th century. Its modern industrial growth dates from the early 19th century, when the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was constructed through the town. Population 89,541 (2001).