Bliss Tweed Mill

A tweed cloth mill, later converted into apartments, built in 1872 by the Lancashire architect George Woodhouse. Bliss Mill is an outstanding example, comparable to Lister Mills in Bradford and the earlier mills at Saltaire. Constructed from local limestone, the five-storey spinning mill’s design incorporates features reminiscent of a country house, particularly in the four square belvedere staircase towers at the corners, each punctuated by balustraded parapets with a pair of urn finials. The windows on the top storey have twin arcaded lights. Dominating the composition is a chimney stack arising from an engaged circular tower, a sophisticated aesthetic solution to a functional element, transitioning to the tall Tuscan order shaft of the stack itself via a ribbed leaded dome. A multi-gabled weaving shed is attached. Internally, cast iron columns support transverse beams which bear longitudinal segmental brick vaults springing from slender I section girders. The mill was designed with a park-like setting and represents a remarkable and opulent design.