The Mills of Ashworth Valley

Adrian had obviously carried out a lot of research prior to his talk, including on the more modern water pipes for two reservoirs, now owned by United Utilities.  This was particularly interesting to those of us who know the area well.

Starting at the highest point, Knowle Hill, he outlined the remains of Four Acre Mill before moving on to Higher Cheesden Mill which in common with all the 15 mills working with water from the brook, had an intricate system of water management.

A black and white photograph of Higher Cheesden Mill taken around about the turn of the 19^th century, showing the terraced houses provided for the workers, highlighted the conditions that people lived and worked in.  Men, women and children worked up to 70 hours a week which would have left little opportunity to explore outside their immediate area.

Then followed a stunning black and white photograph of a small drift mine with machinery, a couple of workers and two horses.  Digging coal seams often only 45cm thick, the coal they produced was low quality but would have been used to produce gas for lighting the mills.

Using maps and modern photographs he then traced the transfer of water from old lodges to both Ashworth Moor and Greenbooth reservoirs, following the contours like early canals.  Quite an eye opener and pleasing to see that some at least of the old workings were still being put to use.

We are unable to show the black and white photographs for copyright reasons although our thanks to Mike Allen for this image from 1941.  It shows how little has changed at Cheesden Lumb Mill.