The former Asquith Bottom Mill in Sowerby Bridge stands as a powerful testament to the region's industrial past, a hulking monument of brick and stone that has adapted to the changing times. These images, taken in April 2017, capture the mill complex in its current state as a mixed-use industrial estate, a fascinating blend of old and new.
A Legacy of Industry
Asquith Bottom Mill has a rich history, serving various purposes over the years, from a carpet mill to a wire and woollen mill. It was originally built by the Edlestons family, a name that many locals will recall with fondness. For those who grew up in the area during the 1980s, the sight of a vibrant red neon sign bearing the Edlestons name across the roof is a cherished memory, a beacon of a bygone era that has sadly since been removed. The mill's closure in the late 1980s and early 1990s marked the end of a significant chapter for the area.
The photographs from 2017 reveal the sheer scale and character of the mill. The wide-angle shot shows the full facade of the main building, its rows of large, multi-paned windows a classic feature of mill architecture. The lower buildings in the foreground, with cars parked alongside, indicate the complex's modern function, a bustling hub for various businesses.
A Walk Through Time
Walking through the mill complex is like stepping into a living museum. One of the images captures a narrow ginnel or alleyway that runs between two buildings, with an overhead passageway connecting them. This architectural feature, common in industrial complexes of this size, speaks to a time when goods and people needed to move efficiently between different parts of the mill.
The details are what truly tell the story. A photograph of the building's exterior, shot at an upward angle, highlights the patina of age on the stone and the faded, closed-off windows, some of which still have their original frames. Another striking image, a black and white shot with a splash of red, focuses on a set of external stairs. These "red stairs," a pop of colour against the otherwise monochrome backdrop of the brickwork, lead up the side of one of the buildings, a dramatic and eye-catching feature that evokes a sense of both the mill's grand past and its slow, inevitable decline.
Asquith Bottom Mill, much like the surrounding landscape of Sowerby Bridge, is a symbol of resilience. It is a place that has not been forgotten but has been given a new purpose, a place where the echoes of industrial looms and the footsteps of mill workers still linger, even as new businesses thrive within its walls. These photographs serve as a poignant reminder of its past and a celebration of its enduring legacy.
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A vibrant memory from the mill's past stands in stark contrast to its present-day industrial hustle. Where the cars now sit parked in front of the mill, there once was a lush bowling green, a green oasis across the River Ryburn. The most striking change, however, was the mill's rooftop. For years, the building was crowned with a brilliant red neon sign that proudly displayed the W.M. Edlestons name—a familiar, glowing landmark that lit up the Sowerby Bridge skyline.
Once, goods and materials were hoisted to and from these doorways, but now, a lone hoist support juts out from the old brickwork, a silent reminder of the mill’s industrious past.
This picture was taken from the Norland hillside towards the back of the building. I don't imagine other than for safety checks that fire escape has been used in many years.
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