Astley Mill, Dewsnap Lane, Dukinfield

ASTLEY MILL, DUKINFIELD - The ceremony of opening this mill, and christening and starting the engines, was performed on Saturday. The door of the mill was opened at one o'clock by Mrs Nicholson, lady of the manor with an inscribed silver key, after which a numerous party of shareholders, contractors, and friends sat down to luncheon. At half past two the engines, after being christened Beatrice and Constance, the Christian names of the two Misses Astley, were started and worked most satisfactorily. The mill was afterwards thrown open and several thousands of visitors walked over the premises. At six o'clock, some 1,600 people sat down to tea and subsequently a meeting was held in one of the rooms of the mill, presided over by J. E. Lawton, chairman of the company, and addressed by Mr Nicholson, Mr J. A. Stott, J F Cheetham, MP, Dr Robinson, and Mr Goodfellow. The mill will contain when filled 84,000 spindle, about half twist and half weft, and will give employment, to from 200 to 300 workpeople. One special feature in connection with this mill is the land and water have been given free for ever by Mrs. Nicholson. Lady of the manor, and the Astley family. The contractor for building is Mr Aaron Houghton, of Godley: for the steam engines, Messrs Goodfellow and Matthews, of Hyde; shafting, etc., Scott and Hodgson, of Guide Bridge; and for the machinery Messrs Asa Lees and Company of Oldham, and Messrs, Taylor, Lang, and Company, of Stalybridge. The architects are Messrs Stott and Sons, of Manchester and Oldham. [Manchester Courier 16 June 1885 page 6]

The company went into liquidation in 1920 and again in 1931, and the mill was demolished in 1935. Subsequently the site was used for housing.

Reference        Manchester Courier 16 June 1885 page 6
Reference        Iron (London) 22 May 1891 page 17
Reference        Roger Holden: Stott and Sons Index of Buildings No W1883N14