Olive Mill Darwen 004

Olive Mill, Darwen.rnJohn Catlow's extensive weaving mill built in 1894. Catlow was a typical product of the nineteenth centuy textile trade. He began his working life at Dob Meadows Printworks and was later employed at various local mills. In 1874 he became a tackler and junior partner at Springfield Mill. and in 1889 over Redford Mill by 1914 the firm he long established was working five Darwen mills and running almost 2,700 looms. John Catlow and Sons Ltd was ruined by the Indian boycott and within the space of six years all the mill closed. Weaving at Olive mill ended in 1930 and the plant was sold in 1934. rnMike Rothwell.