|
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ |
| By accident and design, Grade 2 Listed Higherford Mill is not only a striking local landmark, but also a unique insight into the evolution of the Lancashire cotton industry throughout the 19th century |  Higherford Mill
|
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.
[/dna/actionnetwork/G1937] The original structure endured a dramatic process of refurbishment in 1844 with the surviving wheelhouse and engine house integrated into the rebuilt mill - a three-storey structure designed to maximise its use of the river flow. The rebuilt Higherford Mill would become the first mill in the country to have a north-light weaving shed.
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.
As its name suggests, Higherford in the village of Barrowford has probably offered a crossing over Pendle Water since man first settled in this corner of Lancashire. Certainly it was in use around the time of the Roman occupation. The historic bridge that crosses the river was constructed in medieval times to aid the passage of packhorses plying their trade across the region. Barrowford has many fine examples of 17th and 18th century farm buildings, which were also the first incarnation of the cotton industry in this region. With the cotton boom came industrialisation and these 19th and 20th century mills now sit alongside the earlier buildings, creating a living reminder of village development.
This article can be found on the Internet at:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/programmes/restoration/2006/north_higherford_mill_01.shtml
© British Broadcasting Corporation
For more information on copyright please refer to:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/about/copyright.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/terms/
BBC History
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/