Published Thursday 15 May 2025 at 16:18
The Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen has returned from a historic visit to Peronne in northern France, where he marked the 100th anniversary of friendship between the two towns – a bond born out of the tragedy of the First World War.
As part of the centenary celebrations, the Mayor proudly presented a new commemorative plaque for the Pont du Blackburn – the bridge that was originally rebuilt in the 1920s with funds raised by the people of Blackburn.
The replacement plaque, created and donated free of charge by Stevenson Memorials, now sits proudly on the bridge as a renewed symbol of the enduring connection between the two communities.
The origins of the relationship date back to 1920, when then Mayor of Blackburn, Lawrence Cotton, travelled to the Somme to find the grave of his son John, who had been killed in the war.
Deeply moved by the destruction he witnessed in Peronne, Mayor Cotton led a campaign for Blackburn to help rebuild the town’s medieval bridge – destroyed during the war – and support its recovery.
The borough’s people responded with overwhelming generosity.
Alongside the bridge project, hospital equipment was sent to Peronne, agricultural machinery was donated to the neighbouring rural village of Maricourt, and a tapestry created by students from Blackburn Technical College was gifted to the community. These acts of kindness paved the way for the official twinning of Blackburn and Peronne in 1924.
Following the visit, kindly paid for by Peronne, the Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Cllr Brian Taylor, who too has personal connections with Peronne, gave two speeches during his visit and to help mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Speaking after, he said:
The names Somme and Picardy are etched deeply into the collective memory of the people of the United Kingdom.
Like many families in both the UK and France, my own family was touched by the tragedy of the First World War. We lost two great-uncles within a single week – one is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing. My wife’s great-uncle is buried near Armentières.
Our connection with this part of France is deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. Therefore, it was an incredible honour to visit Peronne and pay tribute to our century-long friendship.
Standing on the Pont du Blackburn and presenting the new plaque was a deeply moving moment – one that reminded me of the generosity, compassion, and community spirit that defines our towns.
The legacy left by Mayor Lawrence Cotton and the people of our borough is something we can all be proud of. This renewed plaque not only marks our shared history but also strengthens the bridge – both literal and symbolic – that connects our communities.
The new plaque, produced and engraved by Stevenson Memorials, was designed to reflect the original sentiments while restoring pride in the landmark’s appearance.
Managing Director James Stevenson from Stevenson Memorials said:
We were honoured to be asked to create the new Pont du Blackburn plaque by local historian Eric Nolan to mark this extraordinary anniversary. It’s a privilege to play a small part in commemorating a friendship that has stood the test of time.
Filed under : Blackburn | Brian Taylor | mayor