Lorne Street Mill Darwen 003

Lorne Street Mill, Darwen.rnThomas Eccles weaving mill of 1887-88. The mill was leased to Farrar, Baynes, Taylor and Company of Blackburn, and New Mill Darwen, who operated it until 1920, when the business passed to Lawson Duxbury. A workforce of about 100 was employed during this period. Lawson, Duxbury Ltd ran the mill throughout the Depression, although there were a number of lenghy stopages. In 1947, following closure because of wartime regulations, control of the Company passed to Stanley Linings, a firm of Manchester merchants. By the 1960's 304 Lancashire looms and 64 Northrops were running. The mill closed in 1970 because of a shotage of skilled weavers. rnMike Rothwell.