EPW029255 ENGLAND (1929). The Derwent Mills (Linen Thread Factory), Cockermouth, 1929

Nearby Images (4)

EPW029255

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EPW029258

258° 53m

EPW029259

175° 242m

EPW029257

140° 272m

Details

Title	[EPW029255] The Derwent Mills (Linen Thread Factory), Cockermouth, 1929
Reference	EPW029255
Date	September-1929
Link
Place name	COCKERMOUTH
Parish	COCKERMOUTH
District
Country	ENGLAND
Easting / Northing	311911, 530909
Longitude / Latitude	-3.3659021409742, 54.665439198542
National Grid Reference	NY119309

Pins

The remains of the weir that fed the mill race and the opening of the mill race to the river Derwent can still be found. Although partially demolished the walls can still be clearly seen. This mill race fed the Harris Mill, Gote Mill and several other mills before flowing back into the Derwent below Papcastle. Report as Inappropriate	Brian	Thursday 21st of August 2014 05:10:07 PM
The bank in Memorial gardens was constructed after the floods in 1938 by the owner of Bridge House. (source C Beckett) Report as Inappropriate	Brian	Thursday 21st of August 2014 05:04:02 PM
This triangle of allotments was originally drain fields for flax for the mill before being converted into allotments for towns people. They are now the site of Wakefield Rd car park. (source C Beckett) Report as Inappropriate	Brian	Thursday 21st of August 2014 04:58:57 PM
Fred Dibnah was contracted to demolish the chimney on Harris Mill. He weakened the structure and prepared to demolish it by fire the next day. An arsonist attempted to light the fire over night but failed so Fred was able to complete the task as planned. (source P Campbell) Report as Inappropriate	Brian	Thursday 21st of August 2014 04:54:51 PM
Harris Mill. Linen from the mill was used to make early aeroplane wings. (source S Campbell) Report as Inappropriate	Brian	Thursday 21st of August 2014 04:51:40 PM

User Comment Contributions

Derwent Mill was founded by a Quaker family by the name of Harris, in 1834. The mill developed steadily & at its height employed 800 people. A 1912 advertisement features flax & linen cloths and embroidery threads. The firm produced threads in 200 colours and sold lace-making equipment – bobbins, patterns, pillows, etc. However, the firm closed following the Depression in 1934.

Early in the 2nd world war, Millers evacuated their shoe manufacturing from Great Yarmouth to the mill, bringing 200 workers with them. This became a permanent move. At one time, the firm employed 1100 people and made 40,000 pairs of shoes weekly. There were also branches in Workington, Frizington & Egremont. This company also fell into decline and closed around 1990. Fred Dibnah demolished the once tall factory chimney in 1992 & the remains of the factory was made into flats.

oozthajorn

Monday 4th of November 2013 04:40:21 PM