Knoll Mill, Oldham
Wellington mills in Greenfield, Oldham were built in 1852 for Shaw, Son and Lees cotton spinners who traded until 1858 and were the succeeded by N Broadbent and Sons until 1932 after which the buildings were left unused for 6 years. 1938 saw part of the buildings used as a general engineering works and in 1941 the rest of the premises were opened up with the instalaation of 362 looms by the fabric weaver B.Kershaw.
In the years up to 1946 the engineering section of the mill produced engine parts for bombers after which it became first a naval store and then a store for the British Wool Board. In 1946 the buildings and land were purchased by William Oddy who transferred their woollen carding and mule spinning operations form Shipley to the mill.This was the birth of the Knoll Spinning Company. However, the mills closed in the late 90's and are now threatened with demolition having been bought by developers, and the inevitable Tesco is planned for the site.
In the years up to 1946 the engineering section of the mill produced engine parts for bombers after which it became first a naval store and then a store for the British Wool Board. In 1946 the buildings and land were purchased by William Oddy who transferred their woollen carding and mule spinning operations form Shipley to the mill.This was the birth of the Knoll Spinning Company. However, the mills closed in the late 90's and are now threatened with demolition having been bought by developers, and the inevitable Tesco is planned for the site.
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