[Retlaw]

Originally Posted by Bob Dobson

I am not aware of a name change. To check, look at an early Barretts Directory.(in the library) This was a Thwaites pub, one of several they owned in that part of town, only a hundred yards away from at least two more. The railway came to Accrington in 1848 but this building is later than that. My suspicion is that it would be called the Railway from the word go, as it is so close to the station and travellers would realise this when they were looking for accomodation.

Wrong Dob Bobson.
That pub was there long before the railways came to Acc, they started in 1845 and finished in 1847,
the date is on the viaduct. The line to Manchester came later.
The Railway had a name before the advent of puffer trains in Acc. It did'nt just stand nameless waiting for something they did'nt know was going to be.

Retlaw.