Bee Hive Mill Darwen 001

Bee Hive Mill, Darwen.rnEstablished in 1919, by Webster and Bromley in the old school building of St,James' Church at Holden fold. G.E Webster, a native of Norfolk, had been a mill manager in Bolton. Bee Hive Mill contained 40 looms, weaving, haircloths, linings, canvasses, twills and poplins. Power was provised by a small steam engine. After Webster's death in 1938 the surviving partner, F.W Bromley, continued alone until the mid 1950's. By 1956 the mill was acquired by Edward Taylor, a member of the Perserverance Mill Company. By the 1960's 56 Northrop looms were in use. Extensions to the buuilding in 1968 and 1976. Later replaced by 15 Ruti looms, with jacquards. Edward Taylor (Textiles) Ltd operated on the site until 1992, when the business was transfered to Perserverance Mill and 1-5 Holden Fold. Weaving was then undertaken at Waterfoot. rnMike Rothwell.