Progress Mill Darwen 002

Progress Mill, Darwen.rnA weaving shed built in 1887-88 by the Industrial Co-operative Society and leased to Shorrock and Whewell of Highfield Mill. Shorrock and Whewell were followed by G and J.T Hunt during the 1890's, who in turn were succeeded by W and G Pickup of Marsh House in 1912 Weaving ended in 1928, and in the 1930s and 1940's the buildings were used for other purposes including lard refining. In 1950 corset and dress cloth manufacturers, reintroduced weaving with 184 looms. The business closed in 1962, and the mill has since been used for various purposes, amongst them blanket making and textile engineering. rnMike Rothwell