An old black and white photo of two men working in a cotton mill in the 1800s.

History of The West Mill

Having laid derelict for many years, the building was lovingly restored back to life in 2015. During the renovation we were sure to retain all the charm of the industrial architecture of the 1800’s, making The West Mill the perfect backdrop for your wedding day. Think bare bricks walls, barrel vaulted ceilings and Georgian windows drenching your wedding day in sunlight. The perfect historic wedding venue.

The Early Days

The West Mill was built in the late 18th century, around 1784, by Thomas Evans and William Schlackstoffe. It was constructed to house cotton spinning machinery and served as one of the early examples of industrialization in the region. The mill was strategically situated along the banks of the River Derwent, which provided the necessary water power to drive the mill’s machinery.

An old black and white photo of a cotton spinning mill over the River Derwent.
An old black and white photo of several women working in a cotton mill in the 1800s.

The Industrial Revolution

During the Industrial Revolution, The West Mill played a vital role in the cotton industry’s growth and the mechanization of textile production. The introduction of water-powered spinning machinery allowed for increased production and efficiency compared to manual labor. The mill contributed to the economic development of the region and provided employment opportunities for many people.

Decline

The West Mill continued to operate as a cotton spinning mill for several decades, adapting to technological advancements in the textile industry. However, like many other industrial facilities, it eventually faced challenges as newer technologies emerged and global trade dynamics changed. In the later part of the 20th century, as the cotton industry declined, many historic industrial buildings faced abandonment and deterioration. The West Mill, too, fell into a state of disrepair.

An old black and white photo of supplies in a cotton spinning mill in the 1800s.
A photo of the renovated building with maintained exposed brick, Georgian windows and brick flooring.

Renovation

In 2015, Chrissie & Andrew Rose transformed the building into a luxurious wedding venue, maintaining its historic character while offering modern amenities. The restoration project aimed to preserve the architectural and historical significance of the building, making it accessible for a new purpose while celebrating its industrial heritage.

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PHOTO CREDIT: ROSIE KELLY