Horrockses Mill

FARNWORTH SD70NW LORNE STREET 797-0/9/10015 (North side) Horrockses Mill II Cotton spinning and weaving mill. Late C19, considerably extended 1915 the resultant building clearly divided into 2 segregated working areas. The 1915 extensions were built for Horrockses -the founding company on the site was Crewsdon, Crosses and Co Ltd which merged with Horrockses in 1887. Brick with concrete and steel internal structure, and flat (concrete) roofs. Steam powered. EXTERIOR: original building is 3-storeyed, 8x5 bays, the windows grouped in 3’s between pilasters. 1915 spinning mill is 5-storeyed, almost square in plan, with windows paired between pilasters, and towers at 3 angles. Towers all ribbed by pilasters, with curved corbelling to upper stage; embattled parapets, the SE tower terminating in pyramidal roof. Engine house projects from SW angle of 1915 mill, and has corner pilasters similar to those of the mill towers. 2-storeyed 11x4 bay range projects from NW, possibly warehousing or preparation area. Detached single storey weaving sheds to east of site. An impressive example of C20 mill architecture, which uses lavish embellishment and strong architectural forms to create a strong company identity; a good example of a late integrated site which survives almost intact. (Greater Manchester Sites and Monuments Record; Longworth James H: The Cotton Mills of Bolton: Bolton: 1986-). Listing NGR: SD7311806774

Selected Sources

Books and journalsLongworth, J, The Cotton Mills of Bolton 1780 to 1985, (1987)