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Darwen is a small town in East Lancashire, immediately south of Blackburn. It forms part of the Blackburn with Darwen unitary authority. Darwen is an example of a ribbon development along a single main valley on the route between Blackburn and Bolton. Darwen was a major centre of industry following the industrial revolution, when its locality, climate and access to fast flowing water, and later coal, encouraged the development of cotton spinning and weaving mills. Later it played host to the chemical, paint and wall covering industries (ICI, Crown Paints and Crown Wallcoverings), although these industries have declined in recent years. Darwen is surrounded by dramatic moorland and woodland, and makes an excellent destination for hikers, bikers and nature lovers. Darwen's Jubilee Tower (atop the nearby moor) is a well-known local landmark.