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EMPIRE ARCHIVISTS LATEST FIND

Our history detectives have done it again - more secrets from the archives are being unveiled in our search for clues to the history of the venue and the very early beginnings of what was the Empire Electric Cinema in 1910. 

Martin Cottam has joined the team of Empire Archive volunteers because he has a personal interest in researching the history of his own great great grandfather, Ferdinand Caton - one of the team of original founders.    

Using the 1911 census he has found out the addresses of the team we have affectionately dubbed, 'the famous five' whose signatures appear on the indenture document uncovered with the pile of deeds at the solicitors.

Ferdinand Caton (Clogger),  2 Catterall Street, Blackburn

Christopher Hope (Spindle Maker), 191 Downham Street, Blackburn

Ben Hall  (Coal Merchant),  205 Caroline Street, Blackburn

Henry Ainsworth (Grocer),  89 New Wellington Street, Blackburn

Henry Duckworth (Flagger & Slater), 190 Caroline Street, Blackburn  

Martin said, "It is a pleasure to be working as part of the research team looking into the history of the theatre. The project is allowing me to access material for my family history that I would not of otherwise had access to. Being a "local lad" it is a great piece of work being done to have this material on a local landmark archived for generations to come."

A view of the indenture document below, dated 26th October 1911, with the signatures and seals of 'the famous five'.  The main seal is still just about hanging in there and is clearly readable.

 

 

Indenture Document dated 26th October 1911
The main seal attached to the document
The main seal
Release date: Friday 14 August 2009