IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Weavers Close, LOUGHBOROUGH, LE12 8FL

Originally part of the extensive textile mill at Quorn, now converted to apartments. It was built in the latter part of the 19th century, and although spanning the stream, would never have been water driven. The original water mill from which the mill developed was in the foreground. When converted to apartments, the building was reduced in height by one storey, but the original roof was retained and it you cannot tell the difference.

Straddles the Budden Brook. Now converted to apartments.

It is hard to believe now but at one time Quorn was quite an industrial place. The largest factory was Wright's Mill built on the site of a water-powered flour mill. Wright's initially worked with lace and cotton but came to specialise in elastic webbing products from the mid-19th century. Around the time of the First World War 2,000 workers were employed here. The mill's 96ft high chimney was demolished in 1996. Today, much of the site has been converted into apartments but the original company continues, albeit on a much reduced scale, as M Wright & Sons Ltd.

The plaque reads: ‘In memory of Philip Wright. This tablet was erected as a token of their sincere regard by the employees of M. Wright & Son. February - 9 - 1990’

Although originally a C16th corn mill, the mill race was sealed and the mill wheel removed in 1894 . Between 1881-2010 M. Wright & Sons wove webbing fabrics here, originally focusing on elastic and rigid products for H.M. Forces and for the corsetry trade. Michael Wright moved here in 1881 after 10 years in Leicester and by 1881 “Wright’s Mill” employed nearly 400 people, mainly women - mostly in more conventional factory buildings to the right of this Grade II-listed building. The work force increased to nearly 700 by 1896 and during WWI the factory over 2,000 people were employed here in shifts. By the Second World War the company consisted of six factories and 5,000 employees. Much of the mill has now been converted to luxury apartments. Leicester Road (the A6) lies 20 m behind the photographer.