Forest Mill (Claridge)
Date 7 May 2009
Event ID 912084
Category Management
Type Site Management
Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/event/912084
Part of a complex of single and multi-storey mill buildings, whinstone rubble with sandstone ashlar dressings. Slate roofs. 4-pane fixed and casement windows. HAND-LOOM/PATTERN WEAVING SHOP: 3-storey and attic, 20-bay, linked by bridge at 2nd floor to mill. Plaque "GR and Co 1838" between doors for weavers and to office. Blind gable to S, 2-bay gable to N, ground floor niche to drinking fountain. Later enlarged windows to ground floor office and to 1st floor gable. Single storey addition in 2 stages to W with Roman Doric columned aedicule and pediment. Oculus over lights later stair. INTERIOR: octagonal timber post and beam construction. Storage shelves for yarns. Circa 1900 office partitions and etched glass doors.
For George Roberts and Co, who pioneered cheviot cloth and, it is claimed by Bremner, were the first in the area to adopt the self-acting mule. The reputation for quality was outstanding. George Roberts and his brother Tom, both of Galashiels, visited the USA and returned with the first condensers. George became provost of Selkirk and chairman of the Selkirk-Galashiels Railway Company. Sons John and Tom Roberts pioneered the import of Australian and New Zealand wool to the Borders. Forest Mill served as the wool store, dyehouse and weaving mill for the firm. Spinning was conducted at St Ronan's Mill, Innerleithen, Philiphaugh Mill, Selkirk (from 1872), and Earlston Mill. Merged 1962 with Robert Noble of Hawick and Walter Thorburn of Peebles. Weaving mill closed 1967, and the remainder in 1973. Weaving was since been restarted by S Elliot and the remainder of the complex is used for a variety of small industrial and retail purposes.(Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)
