Stanley Mills, Mid Mill

Construction of Mid Mill was completed c. 1823-30.

A fire occurred in Mid Mill in 1848.

Rebuilding of Mid Mill following a fire in 1848.

NO 1139 3686 An archaeological watching brief and standing building recording was undertaken between October 2004 and March 2005 by CFA Archaeology Ltd. The removal of internal concrete flooring within the Mid Mill was monitored as part of ongoing building works. External work including the monitoring of two test-pits on the position of a water storage tank revealed no deposits of archaeological significance. However, during the removal of hard-standing following the demolition of the Carding Mill confirmed that rubble used for its foundations for the carding shed were present to a depth of 0.5m.

Hand cleaning of the courtyard surfaces on the north side of Mid Mill has allowed the recording of archaeological features associated with the drive shafts leading into this building. The former courtyard surface including original cobbles and steps have also been recorded.

Recording of surfaces present on the spinning floors of the Mid Mill provide a record of the position of scars, sockets and holding-down bolts which indicate the positions of spinning machinery.

The standing building survey has recorded the internal floors of Mid Mill and the internal east-facing elevation at the east end of Mid Mill. The pre-demolition survey of the carding shed has included a full digital and 35mm photographic record of the structure. Additional recording on the exposed west-facing elevation following the removal of the carding shed has revealed the roofline and window of an earlier structure. Three phase of construction are represented within this elevation.

NO 1139 3686 An archaeological excavation, watching briefs and standing building recording was undertaken between March 2006 and February 2007 by CFA Archaeology Ltd. A wide range of features have been brought to light for the first time. The most important find is the foundation of the Corn Mill. Although this appears to have been cleared to ground level, its principal elements such as supporting wall foundations and internal partitions have survived. The installation of the new lift shaft in Mid Mill has allowed important structural evidence to be gleaned from the examination of the cast-iron framework that is echoed throughout the building. Miscellaneous features include water-powered wheels in the Bell Mill during the late 18th and 19th centuries, with a water-driven turbine providing electricity to drive line-shafts in the early 20th century.