Quarry Bank Mill Learning Journey

Follow the Learning Journey steps into the world of The Quarry Bank Mill community, and discover a microcosm of life in the cotton factory system.

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Quarry Bank Mill Learning Journey Step 2: The Cotton Manufactory Quarry Bank Mill was built as a water powered cotton spinning factory in 1784. Samuel Greg is reported to have stated that the cost of building and equipping the Mill, amounting to £16,000, nearly ruined him. Within 12 years, the building was extended and improvements made to the water supply to enable additional machinery to be installed, an indication of the Mill's profitability. By 1816, further expansion was necessary as the Mill continued to prosper. In 1836, land to the rear of the main Mill buildings was redeveloped in order for the construction of new buildings to serve as weaving sheds. The decision to introduce weaving was taken by Samuel's son, Robert Hyde Greg, shortly after he inherited the Mill. In the same year, an engine house was built to accommodate a new steam engine. Further extensions continued throughout the remainder of the century, although at a lessening pace due to the falling profitability of the site. In 1864 - 65, gas making plant and associated buildings were erected at the Mill for lighting purposes, with the gas being produced from coal. This continued until a mains supply was installed in 1904.

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