Higher Mill was built as a water-powered fulling mill in 1789. After its closure in 1967, a trust was formed to preserve the complex, thanks to the efforts of Helmshore Local History Society. In 1975, Lancashire County Council took responsibility for the site, which is now called Helmshore Textile Mills Museum and is well worth a visit.

The chimney was erected in about 1853, north-west of and on the opposite side of Holcombe Road.