Woodfold Mill, Darwen 001

Woodfold Mill, Darwen.rnA weaving shed of 532 looms erected in 1875 by William Snape, the paper stainer, and worked by his son Gerald. About 1883 the mill was leased to William Birtwistle and Richard Thompson of Blackburn. A workforce of 230 was employed mainly weaving dhooties and jaconettes,. The partnership was dissolved in 1895, with Thompson taking over Nova Scotia Mill, and Birtwistle retaining Woodfold.rnBirtwistle was to become one of the leading cotton manufacture of North-East Lancashire with mill in Blackburn, Great Harwood, Preston, Ribchester, Withnell and Haslingden. The business was eventually registered as William Birtwistle Allied Mills. Cotton weaving ended in 1956, and the mill began to produce synthetic fabrics. During the late 1950's 139 looms were in use. In 1962 Woodfold Mill was one of the first units to be closed by William Birtwistle Allied Mills. The buildings have since been used by various firms, among them a plastics manufacturer and Rists Wires and Cable. rnMike Rothwellrn