town and borough (district), administrative and historic county of Lancashire, England, north of Greater Manchester, at the junction of the Rivers Burn and Calder. In common with other towns of Lancashire, Burnley grew rapidly from the end of the 18th century with the development of the cotton textile industry. The building of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and the presence of coal were factors helping its development. By the early 19th century cotton weaving was the dominant industry. Today the economy of the borough has diversified, and light engineering is important. The central area has been redeveloped. Towneley Hall, mainly 17th-century, is the borough's art gallery and museum and is set in parkland. The borough encompasses suburban and rural areas around the town. Area borough, 43 square miles (111 square km). Pop. (2001) town, 73,021; borough, 89,541.