Lower Dens Mill, St. Roques Lane

Image: © kim traynor Taken: 22 May 2011

The mill, which is easily identified by its distinctive cast-iron bellcote, was built in the 1850s, by which time the working of jute had become Dundee's main industry, supplanting earlier linen production. However, the Dens mill continued as a flax mill for its whole existence. Baxter Brothers & Co. built their first mill on the Dens Burn in 1822. Subsequent enlargement made it the largest factory in the city and the first to introduce power-looms in 1836. "In 1846 the firm had in operation in Lower Dens Mills one engine of ninety horse power, driving 3028 spindles; and in the Upper Dens Mills two engines, equal together to 105 horse power, and driving 8,000 spindles. In the power-loom department they had two engines of thirty horse power each, and 256 looms, with accommodation for nearly double that number. They had also a calendering shop with a ten horse power engine." -- David Bremner, The Industries Of Scotland, 1869

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