Description and History of Site:-
Several mill buildings were constructed on this site at different times. Two fulling mills by 1788, but by 1803 or earlier one was used for cotton spinning.

Some elements of all three mills variously described on the maps of 1848 and 1888 appear to remain (2019) although it is likely that these may be later, though not recent, developments. Upper Steps MIll and was occupied by William Bailey & Co until March 1803 when William Bailey Jnr left the partnership.

The other partners were selling their ten cotton mules in 1805. No further references to cotton spinning on this site have been found.

In 1848, the larger mill on the east bank of the River Holme was described as 'Steps Mill (Woollen)', the northern mill on the west bank simply as 'Woollen Mill' and the southern not marked (though a building clearly existed there). By 1888, the larger mill is labelled 'Queens Square Mills', the northern as 'Lower Steps Mill' and the southern as 'Upper Steps Mill' - all woollen mills.

Further Reading and References:-
Ingle G Yorkshire Cotton 1997

Help us improve this entry

The compilers welcome corrections or additional information on all sites.
Any information provided will be verified before appearing on the web site.

Email comments

Key Words :- textile mill

Address :- Magdale, Honley, Holmfirth , West Yorkshire, HD9 6LU
Grid Ref :- SE 141 126
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.609768 , Long -1.788363
Local Authority :- Kirklees Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Site condition unknown
Site Dates :- 1788 -
Record Date :- 24 September 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © George Ingle