Description
NAME: FRITHS MILL
LOCATION: Gauxholme
REF: CD22
GRID REF: 926 231
CLASSIFICATION: A and B
CONDITION: Part used/part demolished
APPROX DATE OF SITE AND BUILDINGS: Site from late 18C
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY: An early water powered site. A mill was recorded here around 1795. It was rebuilt c1834, and probably covered both sides of Bacup Road (Dulesgate). A good example of an early-mid 19C mill building survives on the northern side. A three storey (and attic) stone building of simple rectangular design, with a few later adjoined buildings. Circular stone chimney on hillside above – probably original chimney. Across the road was the main site of this mill, now mostly demolished and cleared. It was substantially altered and extended in the 1870/80’s, and was a large cotton manufacturing concern. Only the 120ft plus circular stone chimney and brick built shed remain. Dam has been filled.
PRESENT USE AND POTENTIAL: The early mill building is mostly used by an industrial firm, and is now known as St Aidans Works. It looks in reasonable condition and as one of the earliest surviving industrial buildings in this district it could be worthy of listing. The main site looks to have been demolished in recent years. New houses have been erected on part of the site, but the rest is becoming unsightly. The chimney remains a landmark.
Photo taken c1985.