Hobkirk Sewing Machines

Established in 1903 by Mr William Hobkirk, Wm Hobkirk & Son started trading from Salford, Blackburn (Not Manchester) William was joined by his son Edgar Hobkirk then in the 60's by Edgar's son and William's grandson Peter Hobkirk. The firm then expanded having another retail shop on Darwen Street on the opposite side of Blackburn's town centre which to this day is the firm's head office. During the 70's and 80's it was Peter Hobkirk who expanded the chain of residential shops into Blackpool, Accrington, Preston, Burnley, Bury and Rochdale.