Former J And R Morley Hosiery Factory

This is a former hosiery factory, constructed in three phases around 1860, 1885, and 1901. Originally built for Mr Hardy, it was subsequently extended by J & R Morley. The complex comprises three ranges arranged around a small courtyard.

The original south-west range is built of red brick with blue brick and ashlar dressings, and has a slate hipped roof. It features an ashlar chamfered plinth and moulded first-floor band, along with rusticated quoins and a moulded brick cornice. The south front is two storeys high, with eight window bays containing glazing bar sashes. A small inserted doorway is centrally located on the east side, above further glazing bar sashes. A small curved gable, containing the factory clock, sits above the centre of the south front. A truncated square chimney stack is located at the west end.

The north-west range, dating to 1885, is also built of red brick with brick and ashlar dressings, and a slate roof. It exhibits a chamfered plinth and moulded brick cornice. This range is three storeys high, plus a basement, and comprises eleven bays by four. The west front is defined by pilaster strips and features three round-headed windows with iron frames, linked by a cill and hood band. Above these are three similar windows with decorative panels and a further linking hood band. A third set of three windows sits above, the end windows being smaller, again with decorative panels and a hood band. A wide gable, with ashlar coping and kneelers, is surmounted by an ashlar panel inscribed “AD 1885, J & R MORLEY”. A two-storey link building is attached to the south-west, featuring a large cart entrance with gates and a small office building beyond. A single central round-headed window is present, with a doorway and overlight to the left, over which are four small round-headed windows. To the left and right of this are two larger windows. The north and south fronts feature three floors of segment-headed windows with iron frames.

The 1901 east range is steel-framed with red brick cladding and concrete dressings. It is three storeys high, plus a basement, and features thirteen bays by five, with a slightly projecting central bay. The south front has five segment-headed basement windows with steel frames. The upper floors have steel-framed windows set back within five tall vertical strips. The ground floor has a projecting concrete cill band, and the second floor a chamfered concrete cill band. All windows have plain concrete lintels, except those on the second floor, which are decorated with a row of five round arches. A low brick parapet is topped with concrete coping, and the central bay rises above the parapet with a concrete panel inscribed “J & R MORLEY” and two diamond panels inscribed "19" and "01". The other facades have similar fenestration, although the west, courtyard facade incorporates a series of taking-in doors to the right of centre. This is a well-preserved group of late Victorian hosiery factories demonstrating key architectural and industrial developments of the period.