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Photographs © Jim Woodward-Nutt

 

Higherford Mill, Barrowford

Location
Grid reference: SD 863 403
OS sheet: 103
Postcode: BB9 6JH
From M65, junction 13, take A682 through Barrowford village; mill is on L where the A 682 bends sharp right over the river towards Gisburn. Car Parking is above the bridge, turn R into narrow entry off the A682 between the white Bridge Inn and the stone malt kiln.

Originally a Georgian water-powered cotton spinning mill dating from 1824. In 1832, a beam engine was installed to assist the waterwheel, and to also drive early power looms. After 1848, a north light weaving shed was built which may now be the earliest in existence. The unusual double-decker launder and wheel pit with evidence of the 1920s turbine are still in the mill (lower picture) The waterworks and mill lodge are still in situ but have not been used for power since the 1960s. Now a creative industries centre with craft, artist, glass, pottery, print, jewellery, textile and engineering workshops. The HQ offices of The Heritage Trust for the North West which owns the mill are on the top floor.

HTNW is a building preservation trust preserving and managing over 2 dozen historic buildings, including 4 mills. it also runs nearby Park Hill Heritage Centre with info shop and cafe, which is 400yd down-river, left of the weir for Barrowford's mediaeval Corn Mill which was sited in the park. The reduced height weir, mill lodge, line of the water power leat and some later stone foundations remain.

Opening times 2017
National Mills Weekend and other advertised event weekends. HTNW offices and studio areas open 9am to 5pm on weekdays.
Park Hill centre open daily including weekends.

National Mills Weekend opening times 2017
Saturday & Sunday, 10.00-16.00. Displays of Pilling Looms and open studios from the artists in residence in the weaving sheds on the right. 
Free parking, disabled access, refreshments, friendly dogs welcome.

Contact
Tel HTNW 01282 877 686
Tel. Artists contact 07971 522997

Email
[email protected]

Web sites
HTNW:  http://htnw.co.uk/ 
Artists: https://www.facebook.com/HigherfordMillArtists?fref=ts