Background
- Listing: Grade 2
- Date of building: 1824
- Higherford Mill Gallery
- Higherford Mill Virtual Tour
Built in 1824 by Thomas Grimshaw, the mill was originally powered by a simple wooden water wheel. Prior to the 1700s a waterwheel could only generate around 10 horsepower but refinements in design had increased this output tenfold by the time Higherford Mill was constructed. The mill's capacity was further enhanced in 1832 when Grimshaw extended the mill, replaced the wooden water wheel with a more efficient metal version and also installed a single cylinder vertical steam engine.
By 1882 increased demand for cotton required a further upgrade to the facility. The installation of a new twin cylinder cross compound engine to replace the old engine succeeded in increasing the power available to the mill. By 1885, the mill was powering 459 looms.
The mill would be continually upgraded to keep pace with the new technologies. In around 1925 the waterwheel was replaced by a turbine. Then In 1937 the mill converted to electric power using horizontal diesel generators and a separate generator on the turbine.
By the 1950s the cotton industry in Lancashire was already in decline. Despite this new diesel generators were installed at the mill and these would remain in place until the mill's closure in 1969.
The mill made use of waterpower for 137 years, but is now deteriorating due to the unchecked flow of water through the building. The mill's owners, the Heritage Trust for The North West, has identified several areas of the building that need immediate remedial work. It is hoped that a restored mill could be transformed into a tourist attraction and arts centre.
