Throughout the 1840s, Bacup underwent a significant transformation driven by the booming wool-spinning and cotton industries. This led to a surge in population, with approximately 8,000 residents calling Bacup home by this time. This population growth created a demand not only for stone to construct the numerous mills that were springing up, but also for housing to accommodate the burgeoning workforce. Additionally, the community required chapels and schools to cater to the spiritual and educational needs of the residents. The changing landscape of Bacup during this period reflected the industrial development taking place and the socio-economic shifts that accompanied it.
The largest quarry in Bacup in 1840 was located on Rochdale Road, which is now behind the Maden Centre and former Bacup swimming baths on Bath Street. Smith & Pilkington operated from this quarry in 1875 as stone merchants and contractors, undertaking projects like the construction of the West Kirby reservoir in 1881. It is believed that the majority of the stone used in the early buildings in Bacup came from this quarry and another one at Bankside.
Bankhouse Quarry, also known as Bankside Quarry, was a prominent quarry located at the entrance of Delph Lane, formerly known as the road leading to Plantation Street. The lease for Bankhouse Quarry came to an end in the year 1896. On the other hand, Deerplay Quarry has been operational since before 1844 and had a reputation for producing a wide range of materials including flags, pier points, slate, wall stones, fence stones, slop stones, shelves, window tops and bottoms, steps and risers, and road stones.
These quarries represent a significant contribution to the local industry and the extraction of valuable resources from the area.The quarries located at Heald, Sharneyford, and Stacksteads played a significant role in stone production during the 1840s and beyond. Among the notable quarries in the Stacksteads region were Rakehead, Brandwood, Frost Holes, Greens, and Lee, which were known for their sizable operations and stone output. These quarries contributed to the local economy and were integral to the region’s industrial development during that time period.