The Mill

NY 45 NE 6/175

WETHERAL WARWICK BRIDGE HIGH BUILDINGS (West end, off) The Mill

G.V. II Factory units, formerly woollen mill, built as cotton mill. 1790 and 1793 with extensions 1814 and 1890 for John Ferguson, Peter Dixon and William Waddell, respectively (dates and initials on combined stones, high up on the wall of the spinning mill). Squared red sandstone rubble walls, slate roof and slated wooden bellcote. 3 storeys, plus attic and 9 bays to original mill (1790 and 1793) and spinning mill (1814) of 4 storeys, plus attic and 11 bays: straightforward factory building of the Industrial Revolution, originally water powered. Plain surrounds to windows with C19 cast iron frames and glazing bars: C20 loading bays cut through 2 windows in spinning mill and end bay covered by 4 storey projecting lift shaft. Arch under spinning mill gives water access to original wheel position. Converted to steam in 1832. Walls secured by plates and ties. Bell still in bellcote, surmounted by weather-vane with initial F (Ferguson) and 1791 cut through. Internal cast-iron columns between floors. Although completed in 1791, Langthwaite Mill was gutted by fire on 8 August 1793 and had to be rebuilt: ceased production in 1883 and reopened as a woollen mill, re-named Otterburn Mill in 1888: continued as such until the late 1970's, when it was sold to be split into separate units. At its height of production, the mill employed nearly 300 people. For full details see, D.J.W. Mawson, Langthwaite Cotton Mill, Transactions of the Cumberland & Westmorland, Antiquarian & Archaeological Society, vol. lxxvi, N.S., p.159-183. Listing does not include the other factory buildings nearby, except for High Buildings, originally workers cottages and included for G.V.

Listing NGR: NY4781556661