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Archiver > LANCSGEN > 1998-01 > 0883755452


From: Hargreaves <>
Subject: More about mills
Date: Fri, 2 Jan 1998 15:37:32 -0000


The mention of fire in the cotton mills reminds me of my mum telling me of
the time the Ellenroad mill in Milnrow burned down.
It was 1916 and she was four years old. Her mother and Grandma had lost her
and were frantically searching for her. She was found watching the fire.
She had seen all the smoke and the firemen and followed them and that was
where they found her.
The mill was a major employer in Milnrow. It had 121,580 mule spindles and
was opened in 1892. After it burned down it stood in ruins for until 1919
when it was rebuilt as a modern ring spinning mill.
It stopped manufacture in 1982 and in 1984 was bought by Coates Brothers
PLC, who make specialised printing inks.
To cut a long story short they saved the engine house and the Ellenroad
Trust was formed and it is now in the process of still being made into a
museum. It's engine is in steam at weekends and is the largest working mill
engine in Europe.
They have other working boilers etc. and is worth a visit if in the area.
A word about wool for a minute. They used to use Lant (urine) for wool
scouring. The best lant came from the houses of the Methodists as they
didn't drink! Told to me at Helmshore Museum. Imagine that smell!!
Regards
Dorothy

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