Bottomcroft Mill Darwen 003

Bottomcroft Mill, Darwen.rnBuilt in 1871-72 by Joseph and Thomas Eccles, on the site of the older Logwood Mill. The shed contained 492 looms. A second shed was added in 1895-6. Electric lighting powered by an EEC DC dynamo and high pressure engine was intoduced in 1925. Members of the Eccles famiyl ran the shed throughout its productive life. The original partnership of Eccles Brothers was dissolved in 1903; A.T Eccles and Sons was formed to run the Darwen mills, whilst Joseph Eccles and Sons took over the family's Preston Branch. The mill closed in 1930 because of Japanese competition and in 1934 the machinery was sold piecemeal. The buildings were purchased by Darwen Corporation for industrial development. In 1938 the front shed and various ancillary buildings were demolished, and the Coporation bus depot built on the site. The surviving buildings were leased to non-textile companies. rnMike Rothwell.