WATERSIDE MILL
Kenyon Street, Ramsbottom
Built mid-late 19th century
There is an entry in the ‘Date of Build’ Register which probably relates to this mill:
1871 GLE Lease 8 - Henry Greenhalgh 4,900 sq yds. [Date of Build Register - Kate Slingsby]
Linked with PEEL BRIDGE MILL since 1880s.
The weaving shed adjoining Messrs Steads was erected by Messrs Wardle &Howson and another built by John Markland - both subsequently enlarged and run by Messrs Greenhalgh and Harrison (the latter being the father of the late Councillor Harrison. The Waterside Manufacturing Company now carries on business there. [T. Holden in Beetson]
First reference found is in 1871 – Greenhalgh Harrison & Barlow – cotton spinners & manufacturers. WATERSIDE MILL and RAMSBOTTOM MILL [Worrall]
1871 – Samuel Harrison lived at ‘Springside’.
1883 – Samuel Harrison trading on his own at Waterside Mill. He lived at Callender Street.
In 1888 Samuel Harrison still trading at Waterside Mill but he is now also listed at PEEL BRIDGE MILL.
In 1887 they had 767 looms at Waterside Mill [Worrall]
1893 O/S map – Both buildings ( PEEL BRIDGE MILL and WATERSIDE MILL )marked as WATERSIDE MILL.
1908 O/S Map – Both mills are marked and named as PEEL BRIDGE MILL and WATERSIDE MILL. And both are marked as ‘cotton’. Nothing found listed in the ‘trade section’.
1909 Waterside Manufacturing Co Ltd cotton goods manufacturers, Waterside Mill
1910 Helmshore Manufacturing owner/occupiers weaving shed Kenyon Street [Valuation List PUB8/161 Bury Archives]
Hume Elliot refers to Samuel Harrison - ...’on the east side of the river, abutting Kenyon Street, beyond Peel Bridge Mill, there is the manufacturing establishment of Mr Samuel Harrison’. A footnote tells us that this business closed in 1892 – about to be opened by Messrs Hargreaves’ [Elliot page 151]
Not, as yet found out who the Messrs Hargreaves were, although there is the firm of Kay Hargreaves & Co, cotton manufacturers at Garden Street. Kay Hargreaves lived at Irwell Mount, Bury New Road.
The mill is marked and named on the 1908 map but nothing listed in the trade section.
1915 occupier Thomas Westwell Ltd owner Henry Whittaker weaving shed, Waterside Mill, Kenyon Street [Valuation List Supplementary 1915 PUB 8/161 Bury Archives]
1918 Helmshore manufacturing Co Ltd Waterside Mill [ Valuation List supplementary PUB 8/161 Bury Archives]
1924 The Helmshore Manufacturing Co Ltd – cotton goods manufacturers WATERSIDE & PEEL BRIDGE MILLS, Kenyon Street. [Kelly]
1933 – Grove Towel Company took over at WATERSIDE MILL. (unsure whether Grove Towel Company previously operated at GROVE MILL, Garden Street – seems likely)
1948 – Advertisement in 1948 Ramsbottom Official Guide – Grove Towel Co Ltd – Towel Manufacturers – WATERSIDE MILL Ramsbottom Tel: 3215
1951 There was a short article in the Ramsbottom Festival 1951 Souvenir Handbook:
Grove Towel Company Limited took over Waterside Mill in 1933 to produce Towels, Nursery Squares and Terry Cloths. In this process at WATERSIDE MILL are Tapeing, Winding, Warping and Weaving and making-up Towels for Shipping and Home Trade ready for sale to Retail Shops. All kinds of Fancy Coloured Terry Towels are made and Terry Cloths.
1967 Short articles in 1967 Ramsbottom Official Guide – Grove Towel Co Ltd – they manufacture towels of all kinds, terry cloths and nursery squares (including the cutting, sewing and making up of these useful articles) which are sold both on the home market and abroad. The firm offers excellent opportunities in employment with good prospects and conditions.
25th June 1971 - Article in newpaper (unknown). Towel Mill to close - the Grove Towel Co Ltd at Waterside Mill, Kenyon Street is to close down at the end of next month. Around 60 people were employed at the factory which has been open in the town since 1930. Production is being transferred to Blackburn but Mr M Holmes, manager, will be the only Ramsbottom worker who will be transferred. The branch is part of the large Reed International Group.
Demolished 1980. Replaced by brick warehouse. Last owned by Hinchcliffes Transport Company – family still own site