Description
NAME: SMITHY HOLME MILL
LOCATION: Knowl Wood
REF: CD14
GRID REF: 931 227
CLASSIFICATION: B
CONDITION: Empty
APPROX DATE OF SITE AND BUILDINGS: Early-mid 19C (site earlier)
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY: A good example of an early mill building built alongside Walsden Water. A simple two storey stone built building, little more than an extension of domestic cottage architecture. A small square stone chimney is built into the roof (probably shortened). A later 19C extension by Rochdale Road. A woollen mill was recorded here in 1794 and before 1850 it became one of the Fieldens’ outlying factories. It was sold in the 1870’s and subsequently had a variety of uses. The dam has gone and is now covered by allotments.
PRESENT USE AND POTENTIAL: The mill is currently only used for storage purposes and part of it has become derelict. As one of the oldest mill buildings in this area it could merit listing, and possibly some measures to prevent further deterioration.
Photo taken c1985.