Vale Rock Mill Hoddlesden 002

Vale Rock Mill, Hoddlesden.rnThe oldest surviving industrial site of the Darwen, started c1779 as a calico printing works by the Hargreaves family of Haslingden. By 1786 Oliver and Mary Hargreaves were using the buildings for cotton spinning. Little is known of the site's use during the later eighteenth century, but by 1814 John Heap was occupying the mill for mule spinning by water power. In 1819, George Crompton leased the mill from Oliver Hargreaves for use as a bleackworks. Additional buildings were constructed next to the original three story works. Crompton left Hoddlesden in 1822 and the works may have been used for some years afterwards. By 1837 John Rishton had taken over for power loom weaving. About 1840 John and Joseph Place joined the business. Major rebuilding and extension took place in 1843-44 and a weaving shed was added during the 1850's. Rishton left the partnership in 1851 when the firm became J and J Place. By the eatly 1860's Vale Rock comprised a spinning mill for 15,000 spindles and a shed of 500 looms. The partnership was dissolved in 1863 with Joseph Place taking the firm's colliery business, and John Place continuing at the mills. John Place and son failed in 1864 and Vale Rock Mill closed. After their time the property was divided between different manufacturers. rnMike Rothwell.