Joshua Hoyle built Plantation Mill in 1841 he also built a house on the site only later building and moving to Hawthorn Hill where he lived until his death in 1849.The picture below shows just a small portion of the  wall of Plantation Mill that fronted on to Market Street the mill was 130ft long by 70ft wide.The mill was known as Edward Hoyle mill in 1873 named after Joshua's youngest son Edward. A new weaving shed complete with electric lighting  was built and opened in 1898. The mill continued to give employment to many Bacupians until 1963 when the mill was closed, the site was demolished and cleared by November 1970.

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

Accidents and Fires at Plantation Mill.

August 1885   James Turner ages 71 of Curve Buildings, Bacup had his hand tore off when he tried to grab a loose strap that had become caught in a revolving shaft.

 

August 1889 A fire began on the third floor and caused damage amounting to about £500.00.

 

August 1915 Arson attack on the mill causing the Twisting room and warehouse to be completely burnt out Bacup and Rawtenstall Fire brigade attended taking three hours to put out the flames.

 

April 1901 John Lord Mills had his hand caught in the "croppers" of a brushing machine, causing sever lacerations and crushing he was transferred to Manchester Infirmary by train.

 

 

  Plantation Mill with view Throstle Mill in background