Description and History of Site:-
The original mill building, part of the larger mill complex, is listed grade II. Dating from the early C19, it is of hammer dressed stone, with a stone slate roof and roof lights. There are 3 storeys to the east, 2 to the west. Other buildings were added subsequently as the business expanded. The business was founded in 1766 by Zaccheus Hinchliffe's grandfather, engaging in various trades including farming, cloth making and coal mining. In 1860 Zaccheus Hinchliffe decided to begin worsted and woollen spinning and he bought Hartcliffe Mill, next to the river Dearne and near the railway in Denby Dale.

In 1980 worsted spinning ceased and the company began expanding the woollen spinning production. Cashmere comes from China and Mongolia, lambswool comes from Australia, Bactrian camel hair also comes from China and Vicuna fibre from Peru. They produce (2018) over one million kilos of yarn per year, which is distributed around the world. Amongst their clients are Prada, Gucci, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Burberry, Dunhill and Polo Ralph Lauren.

The business has remained in the family and is now (2018) run by the sixth generation.

In 1933 Colonel Reginald, of Rippon Bros. coachbuilders, Huddersfield, had twin daughters. One of the godparents was Arthur Hinchliffe Wilby, a director of Z Hinchliffe & Sons Ltd. In 1957 John Hinchliffe married Audrey Rippon, one of the twins. Their son is currently (2018) one of the company's directors.

Further Reading and References:-
Umpleby, T. Water mills and furnaces on the Yorkshire Dearne and its tributaries. Wakefield Historical Publications, 2000.
http://www.zhinchliffe.co.uk

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Key Words :- textiles worsted wool cashmere mill spinning

Viewing the Site :- Can be viewed from the A635 Wakefield Road

Address :- Wakefield Road, Denby Dale, West Yorkshire, HD8 8QL
Grid Ref :- SE 22303 08336
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.571160 , Long -1.664686
Local Authority :- Kirklees Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1313332,
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- Early C19 -
Record Date :- 15 December 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © John Suter