Description
BIRKS MILL
LOCATION: Hollingworth Lane, Walsden
REF: CD7
GRID REF: 935 219
CLASSIFICATION: C
CONDITION: Semi-used
APPROX DATE OF SITE AND BUILDINGS: Mid-late 19C (site earlier)
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY: An early water powered site, a carding and spinning mill was recorded here in 1791. In 1854 Robert Fielden took over the mill and remodelled it, adding a weaving shed, chimney and engine. The two and three storey rectangular stone built main building probably dates from this period. Later stone extension on the front, and brick additions at rear. The stone weaving shed remains, and there is a later brick shed at the rear of the site. The original chimney has disappeared, but the dam remains on the hillside above.
PRESENT USE AND POTENTIAL: A long established textiles firm was operating here until recently. Now most of the mill is quiet, although the weaving shed is occupied by a small engineering concern. Hopefully it has some potential for light industrial re-use.
Photo taken c1985.