Fustian Mill, Stringer Street

This old two storey fustian mill was built in 1892 in Stringer Street and 10 or 12 cottages from the 1840s period were demolished in order to cater for the increase in demand for fustian velvet. Built for mill owner Henry Mitchell, it later had other owners as a fustian mill including the Platt brothers and United Velvet Cutters in 1912/16. The census of the time shows many fustian workers living in the “Square”. The corner of the mill is unusual.

On the opposite side of the street were twelve 1840s cottages which were demolished in the 1960s. Most were two up, two down but number 16 was larger with a stable for two horses owned by Arthur Whitehurst a coal carrier. From the 1851 census we find a Charles Stringer living here- hence the street name. He was a miller and provision dealer, owning a water powered mill at nearby Gillowshaw Brook (now Station Road). This mill was later converted to steam power when an engine was installed, the foundations of which still remain.