Acre Mill
Acre Mill in Stacksteads, Lancashire was constructed in 1839 by James Ashworth. The mill was designed and built as a woollen and cotton mill. At its peak the mill had 87 looms running within its walls. Built along the banks of the river Irwell the original building was extended multiple times as new weaving sheds and warehouse space was required. A small reservoir behind the site was employed to provide the power the mill needed for its manufacturing practices. In 1874 a fire broke out in one of the warehouse areas causing significant damage to the building, however the damage was repaired and it was business as usual. In 1935 the mill and reservoir were put up for auction and it is thought that woollen and cotton production ceased at this time. It has been suggested that the mill was used as a carpet factory and sales room around the 1960's but I have been unable to verify this. The mill and reservoir were both delisted in 1997 and most of the buildings have been demolished and replaced with the usual cardboard chicken coops, this one building is the only part remaining but it wont be long until it collapses in on itself. The culverts running under the mill will be explored on another day due to the high level of the river following heavy rain.