Preface

This photography is documenting the North of England and the textile industry. The textile Industry was

one of the strongest and most reliable job sources in the 1800’s, with the new industry also bringing a

chain of working men’s clubs. Not only did it bring jobs, but it was from then on what was commonly

known of in the North of England. Through this era a lot changed and this documentary photography

shows through from the 1800’s to 2013, showing how throughout the years fewer mills were in production,

which contrasts from the 1800’s to now.

The photographs within this book are of three mills including Moorside Mill in Bradford. The Mill was built

around 1875 as a spinning mill, and was bought by Bradford council from Messrs. The history behind the

mills Amy found interesting not only within the buildings but the mechanical side of the mills such as;

Water Wheels which were used within 1770-1800, then atmospheric engines were brought in between

1800-1815 which were similar to steam engines. The rise in factories was between 1815-1850 producing

1920 mills in Lancashire producing jobs for 310000 workers, in Cheshire 200 mills were built creating

38000 job opportunities and in Derbyshire 25 mills were built giving 12000 workers jobs. There was a long

decline in England, Spinning mills ended between the 1950’s-1960’s it declined further until all mills were

shut which was between 1960-2000.

These Photographs show past buildings that are now used as museums, shops and offices. To the

present day many mills are still used but not for production but have been converted to museums to

inform people of their past use as well as being turned into shops such as Damart Mill which is placed in

Bingley. Not only has Damart been converted to a shop but as well as offices, which is also what Dean

Clough mills have been converted in to as well as shops and restaurants. Which shows how past mills are

now used in the present.