Valley Mill (Former Spinning Mill No 2)

Valley Mill, formerly known as Spinning Mill No. 2, is a cotton mill built in 1881, originally designed as a twist mill but converted to a ring spinning mill in 1903. It remains in commercial use today. The building is constructed of brick with a cast-iron and brick internal structure and features a flat concrete roof.

The mill has four storeys and measures 16 by 4 bays, with arcaded round-arched windows supported by pilasters. A significant internal structural division separates the three eastern bays, which include a loading bay and a central recessed stair bay; this section may have originally served as the scutching and blowing area. The central entrance leads to the stairs, which are adorned with wide windows, terracotta work, and decorative glazing. A bell cupola is located over the northeast angle of the building. Originally powered by steam, the mill has an altered engine house and boiler house to the west, along with a chimney that retains its corbelled cap.

Historically, the mill is part of a significant textile-working site developed by the Chadwicks after 1820 on a previously developed site. At its peak, the site included five mills and a bleach and dye works, along with an associated planned community. The mills were dedicated to smallwear weaving, sewing-cotton manufacture, twist bleaching, and dyeing.