Birks Mill, Walsden: Historic Textile Mill in Todmorden
Birks Mill is a historic textile mill located in Walsden, Todmorden, West Yorkshire. The original mill dates from 1796 and was rebuilt in 1822 following a fire. The site was previously owned by the Crossley family. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the mill operated as a cotton-spinning, worsted, and bobbin factory
Historical Background
Early Origins: A mill existed on the site by 1799. A datestone above the entrance reads “1800 JSC”, representing John and Sarah Crossley of Scaitcliffe Hall.
Textile Operations: Early operations were conducted by Edmund Kershaw of Henshaw, who ran the site as a carding and spinning mill.
Rebuilding and Ownership: After a fire in 1822, the mill was rebuilt using stone construction. In 1893, the Dover family purchased the mill for yarn spinning. Production ceased in 1909.
Later Uses: After yarn production ended, parts of the mill were used for bobbin and brush head manufacturing.
Architecture and Industrial Details
Construction: The building is constructed from stone with a “piecemeal” design, including multiple additions and intersecting roofs, typical of Pennine industrial buildings.
Power Source: Water from local hillside cloughs provided the mill’s original power, and a Pelton wheel was installed in its earlier years.
Images below is where the water power section may have been situated.
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