[Doug]

Originally Posted by JohnW

Come on guys, somebody tell me where it was.

Hi John, I’ve not found anything out about Turkey red dyeing in Baxenden. All I could come up with is this peace on the Harley Street Mill’


Harley Street Mill

“Extensive factory settlement on north bank of River Blakewater, established by William Feilden, William . Townley and William Throp. Feilden, a successful calico manufacturer and merchant, had been associated with Sir Richard Arkwright. First spinning mill erected 1823-24, second in 1824. Weaving sheds added 1828 and 1832. Five beam engines in 1833. About 500 employees by 1847. A large settlement of back to back houses was built in Leyland and Harley Streets, and on George Street West. The firm became Sir Win. Feilden & Co., c1844, later Feilden & Jackson. R. R. Jackson, a nephew of Feilden, took over completely in 1861. In 1848 Phoenix Mill and Foundry were acquired and during the 1850's large additions, on the site of Harley Street, were made to the weaving sheds. 70,000 spindles, 1365 looms and 1400 employees in 1861. A small part of the mill was leased to the unsuccessful Blackburn Industrial Cotton Spinning & Manufacturing Co. Ltd., 1860-64. Further extensions in the late 1860's increased spindles to 89,000 and looms to 1555. R. R. Jackson & Co. Ltd., formed 1878. 35,720 ring spindles installed 1881 - the largest total placed in a local mill during the 19th century. In 1884, probably for financial reasons R. R. Jackson & Co. Ltd., ceased trading. The two spinning mills were completely demolished. Plant sold included a pair of horizontal engines, 22" + 38", and a large beam engine compounded with a high pressure horizontal. Jackson leased Phoenix Mill, and the surviving sheds at Harley Street as separate units. Harley Street Mill - A weaving shed of 547 looms, sited to the north of Phoenix Mill. Leased to James Livesey 1884-1914, Harley St. Mill Co. Ltd., 1914-24. The mill was taken over by the Industrial Manufacturing Co. Ltd., of Baxenden but weaving was very limited thereafter. Completely closed by 1930".

Content reproduced with the kind permission of Mike Rothwell