Burnley grew up as an industrial town in the 19th century, with it's economy being based upon the textiles industry (mainly cotton weaving). The textiles industry has now sharply declined, leaving the town with high unemployment.
Burnley has received a lot of national attention in recent years due to racial tensions and "race riots" between the town's White and Asian communities, coupled with the success of the far-right wing British National Party in local elections in the town.
Burnley Football Club are founder members of The Football League and have played at Turf Moor since 1883.