Darley Abbey Mills, Old Lane, Derby

Photograph taken 01 March 2001 © Mr Nigel Ward LRPS. Source Historic England Archive ref: 403470

This building is part of a large cotton factory complex established by the Evans family of Darley Abbey in 1792. It was continuously remodelled and enlarged right up to the late 20th century. It traded under the name of Boars Head Mills. It was one of a number of pioneering textile manufacturing sites in the Derwent Valley. Thomas Evans worked with Richard Arkwright of Cromford. The Evans family was related by marriage to the Strutt family who had mills in Belper, Milford and Derby. All 3 employers provided housing and other services for their workers.

Location

Derby Derby

Period

Georgian (1714 - 1836)

Themes

This mill was originally known as Jumble Hole Mill. It was first mentioned in 1788. Between 1815 and 1826 it was owned by Christopher Rawden who owned several mills in the locality. On 11th August 1899 the mill was destroyed by fire. This photograph could have been taken after the fire. The mill was altered and extended during the 19th and 20th century. The 1947 Yorkshire textile Industry directory has an entry for Jumble Hole Mill:
'Cocker and Co (1929) Ltd. (bleaching, dyeing and finishing of blacks and colours; rayons; crepes; cashmeres; brocades; muslins)
Cockers closed in the 1950s, but the mill was later used for silk dyeing.

Darley Abbey Mills, Old Lane, Derby

Location

Period

Themes

Tags