Radford Mill Darwen 003

Radford Mill, Darwen.rnProbably built c1840 by William Thompson who also traded as a sizer. By the date of Thompson's failure in 1857 the mill, driven by a 24 hp engine, had a capacity of 220 looms. The mill was later worked by David Ainsworth and Company and Duxbury Brothers. In 1883 Duxbury's leased the shed to Lightbown, Leach and Callow. The junior partner, John Catlow became sole lessee in 1889. John Catlow and Sons Ltd closed the shed in 1930, and although there was an attempt to restart weaving with a six loom system, the plant was eventully sold. In 1937 the weaving shed was demolished. The surviving preperation block was used by a number of allied textile fims therafter.rnMike Rothwell.