Description and History of Site:-
Block of 10 bays which has been extended towards road (roof slope) central bay has tall 'landing' window. Smallish panes to windows which are large vertical rectangles with hung sashes. Stone construction building has five storeys plus loft.

Weir upstream modern with fish staircase. Whole complex of buildings of less size than this main one. Some parts have slate roof some stone. Some are already demolished. Strange stepped chimney.

On the banks of the river were the extensive flax, tow, and spinning mills of Messrs. Ullathorne and Longstaff, established in 1798, and whose manufacture of shoe-makers' thread gave employment to between 400 and 500 hands. Demolished late 1975.

Linsley (2011): 'This former flax spinning mill, opened in 1760, became one of the largest shoe-thread mills in the country, employing about 100 men and 100 women and children by 1907. Flax was imported from Belgium, Ireland, France, and Russia, and the concern had an extensive export trade with Spain, Turkey, and the Colonies. The business closed down just before the Second World War, and for a while soldiers were billeted in the mill. Although a listed building, it was demolished around 1977. Now essentially a grassed area where a few mill fragments survive and a gaping hole in the townscape.'

Further Reading and References:-
- YAS - Hatcher Card Index. Research funded by the Yorkshire Arts Association 1972.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8et_7-Gz5pc

Linsley, Stafford M. 'North East Industries Through Time'. Amberley Publishing, 2011

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Key Words :- textile mill

Viewing the Site :- Site only redeveloped as housing

Address :- Saddleworth Road, Startforth, Barnard Castle, Durham, DL12
Grid Ref :- NZ 04700 16500
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.543738 , Long -1.928864
Local Authority :- Durham
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Site demolished or no longer extant
Site Condition :- Site redeveloped to residential housing
Site Dates :- 1798 - 1975
Record Date :- 2 July 2015

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