Place Name

Pickup Bank, Lancashire, England

Where the Blackbirds Posture to Pickup a Mate and the Bank supplies Lift-off with the Wind in their Face!

Introduction:

Now then, Pickup Bank. Sounds like a place where you’d go to reclaim lost luggage or maybe your dignity after a night out. But no it’s a charming Lancashire hillside tucked between Darwen’s rolling fields and the occasional wandering sheep.

Was it named after a farmer who couldn’t resist rescuing strays, or a local who picked up gossip faster than the wind? No one’s quite sure, but the name’s got that perfect mix of mystery and mischief that makes Lancashire proud.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this Lancashire name:

Pickup  - Suggests collection or retrieval - maybe of lost items, wandering livestock, or the last pint before closing.

Bank  - Refers to the hillside itself, not the financial kind. Though with the wind up here, you might feel rich in oxygen if nothing else.

Together, they make a name that’s equal parts practical and playful - a spot where nature and nonsense meet halfway.

Historical Context:

The origins of Pickup Bank are as foggy as a Darwen morning. Some say it was named for a farmer who gathered strays, others reckon it was a meeting place for locals to “pick up” the latest gossip.

Whatever the truth, it’s a name that’s stuck like mud on a boot - and it’s still good for a laugh.

Points of Interest:

Places worth a nosey:

• Darwen Tower  - Climb it for views that’ll make your lungs sing.

• Sunnyhurst Wood  - Perfect for a stroll or a picnic - mind the squirrels.

• Darwen Library  - A quiet corner for history buffs and daydreamers.

• Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery  - A splash of culture and colour.

• The Black Bull Inn  - A proper pub for hearty grub and a pint of local cheer.

Notable Figures:

Folk linked to the area:

• James Hargreaves  - Inventor of the spinning jenny, a Lancashire legend.

• George Formby  - Ukulele maestro and master of cheek.

• John D Rockefeller  - Rumoured to have admired the local hills.

• J R R Tolkien  - Found inspiration in Lancashire’s landscapes.

• David Hockney  - Artist who saw beauty in every quirky corner.

Conclusion:

So next time you wander up Pickup Bank, take a moment to laugh, breathe in the wind, and appreciate how geography sometimes ignores common sense.

For more strange place names to make you chuckle, flutter over to www.strangeplacenames.com - because the UK and Ireland are laden with places that make you wonder and broaden your horizons!

FACEBOOK - strangeplacenames

INSTAGRAM - strangeplacenames_2024