The remains of Crow Nest Mill, Barnoldswick

Image: © Chris Allen Taken: 9 Sep 2017

The large empty space in front of the photographer contained a large north light weaving shed. Its shape is seen against the surviving wall opposite that is against the warehouse block. The chimney still stands but for how much longer. This large shed seems to have been little photographed. The Crow Nest Shed Company opened the weaving shed in 1915 having overcome considerable difficulties with the foundations and culverting a stream under the shed (this was still running when I took this photograph). The shed had room for 2100 looms and was let on a room and power basis. The whole shed was eventually taken over by Albert Hartley and this company operated as textile printers until recently. The mill was powered by a horizontal cross compound Burnley Ironworks Company engine of 1000 horsepower. This was a big engine for a big shed. In 1951 the engine suffered a major smash of the low pressure cylinder and ran as a single for some months until it could be repaired. The engine was retired in 1966. Steam was provided by three Lancashire boilers and the brick chimney was originally 52 yards high.

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