Description and History of Site:-

Giles & Goodall wrote: "Steam-powered worsted mill, established in 1847 by John Murgatroyd, stuff manufacturer. Mill began as a spinning mill, with handloom and powerloom weavers employed elsewhere, but became fully integrated with introduction of combing and weaving to site, first in multi-storeyed buildings or in small sheds, later in large purpose-built sheds. Massive expansion between 1850 and 1890, with extensive additions to first mill in 1851 and 1855, new warehouse (1857), new mill (1863-4), combing shed (1885) and weaving shed (1887). Before c1880, Murgatroyds used Thomas, then John, Dearden of Halifax as architects. From c1884 T Lister Padgett of Halifax received the contracts for building design. Power evolution from beam and vertical engines to horizontal engines (1889, 1894), shaft drive replaced by rope drive. Massive company archive survives. Part demolished. Associated buildings: Oats Royd House (17th century and 19th century) and Broadfold (mansion of 1877); attached terraces of workers' houses (c1851, c1864) (demolished)."

The main blocks, ranges and sheds of Oats Royd Mills still stand (2019) and are mostly listed Grade II. The West block of four storeys and 27 bays is now predominantly holiday apartments. A further 14 bays of this block were destroyed by fire in 1989 and subsequently demolished.

Further Reading and References:-

Yorkshire Textile Mills 1770-1930 Colum Giles and Ian H Goodall 1992 London HMSO p215.

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 worsted combing spinning weaving residential

Address :- Dean House Lane, Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, HX2 6RF
Grid Ref :- SE 03912 26609
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.735855 , Long -1.942175
Local Authority :- Calderdale Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Site Condition :- Site refurbished to residential housing
Site Dates :- 1847 -
Contributor :- IHS Database - 3 August 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © IHS Database