Whitehall Mill Darwen 003

Whitehall Mill Darwen rnErected on Hilton's estate in 1859-60 by John T. Kenyon and Company. In 1864 the weaving shed contained 400 looms powered by a 25hp beam engine. James B. Deakin, one of the partners in the mill, became sole owner about 1867. Deakin was a member of the family of Egerton calico printers, and brother-in-law of W.T Ashton. In 1877 the engine was McNaughted and possibly rebuilt by W and J. Yates. Egerton Deakin sold the business in 1912 ro W.T. Ashton and Sons Ltd, and after the voluntary winding up of J.N Deakin Limited in 1914, the shed ran in connection with Hope Mill. Weaving ended in 1932 and the mill was empty until 1939 when it was taken over by the Lancashire Thread Company of Turton, sewing cotton manufacturers, Since the 1950's the mill has been used by various trades. rnMike Rothwell.