Prospect Mill

Prospect Mill is a four-range mill building complex on Thornton Road, Thornton, consisting of parallel ranges descending the hillside. Built in sandstone with stone slate roofs, it was begun in 1848 with additions in 1849, 1855, and between 1850 and 1860.

The road-side warehouse block, dated 1855, is the most substantial component. It comprises three storeys with basement (four storeys to the rear) and extends 14 bays along the road frontage. The main façade features roughly dressed rustication to the ground floor and shallow ashlar quoins, with a string course over ground floor and console brackets supporting the eaves cornice. One bay incorporates superimposed hatches. Ground floor windows have segmental voussoir arches. The centrepiece is a large segmental arched waggonway entrance with grooved ashlar surround and voussoirs, positioned centre-right and providing access to the mill yard. Two further doorways open from the north wall. Eastern windows have parallel splays, suggesting a possible office area adjacent to the owner's house. At first floor level in the centre of the front elevation stands a fine cast iron bracket supporting an octagonal lamp. A date plaque of 1855 features ivy pattern surround and relief carving of a hanging fleece. The west and south walls are plainer in treatment. A single storey projection extends to the south-west of unknown function.

A single storey building links the road-side block to a second warehouse dated 1849, which runs parallel to it. This warehouse is three storeys tall with a two-storey south-projecting arm plus basement. The western bay has a carriage entrance bearing a keystone with the date 1849 and initials JAC. The third storey is probably a later addition. The south arm was originally not accessible from the main block and likely functioned as an office area.

The large mill, probably the earliest building and in existence by 1849, is linked from the south arm. The earlier part stands four storeys with attic and measures eleven bays long by three wide. Gable ends feature Venetian windows at attic level. Round-headed windows on the south side are topped with sill bands. Interior timberwork comprises wooden beams, joists and floorboards. The roof features queen-strut trusses with king posts above a collar. Taking-in doors are centrally positioned on the north wall, with a privy tower on the opposite wall. Several types of cast-iron columns are present throughout. An eastern extension of six bays largely matches the earlier style but includes columns with acanthus and lotus flower capitals on ground and basement floors. Taking-in doors feature in the east gable, a privy tower on the south wall, and a stair tower to the north. A former engine house projects to the west.

The small mill, linked to the large mill by the engine house and running parallel to its south side, is three storeys with four storeys to the south and measures eleven bays long. Privy and stair towers project from the southern angles. The front elevation displays four round-headed windows with sill bands to each floor and console bracket eaves cornice. Sashes with keys and impost bands are retained, all windows preserving their glazing bars. This range dates from circa 1850 to 1860. The mill chimney has been felled.

The site was first used around 1831 by Joshua Craven as the centre of a putting-out system before development as a mill from around 1848. The large mill was in existence by 1849 and the first warehouse, dated 1849, followed shortly after. Craven progressively acquired additional plots to expand his business; by 1851 the firm was described as a worsted manufactory employing 240 people. Further expansion saw the small mill built around 1850 to 1860 and the second warehouse fronting the road in 1855. Joshua Craven & Son continued operating until 1875, when the buildings were purchased by Adolphus Getz of Bradford, passing subsequently to other owners until at least 1929. The mill now accommodates textile operations and light industrial units.