Cromer Mill, Middleton

CROMER MILL - The plans for the Mill have passed the Corporation, and particulars of the company have been sent up for registration. It is expected the prospectus will be issued during the coming week. [Cotton Factory Times Friday 16 October 1903 Page 5]

CUTTING THE FIRST SOD - There was a good muster on the site of the proposed mill on Thursday afternoon week, when the ceremony or cutting the first sod was gone through. … Mr. Stott said the machinery represented 60,000 spindles, and they would be placed upon one level. Mr. Ashcroft (chairman of the company) remarked that they had great confidence in the scheme. The mill would be very economically built, and worked very cheaply, more so than that of a storeyed mill. Cotton Factory Times - Friday 27 November 1903]

CROMER MILL, MIDDLETON - The Cromer Mill. at which the engine will be christened today offers many contrasts to the usual type of building in this district. Erected on a site covering about seven acres, it is a mill of the one-storey type. While this is a new departure locally there are many of this type in other districts. The offices and engine-house are the only two features where any attempt at architecture could be made, and these stand out in great relief to the unimposing but huge one-storeyed building. The area of the floor space under the roof sis about six acres. In all, the mill will contain about 60,000 spindles and it has been carefully arranged for economical working.  Messrs. R. and T. Howarth of Rochdale are the principal contractors, while among the sub-contractors are the following local firms  - Messrs Ashworth and Woolfenden, Rochdale (joinery) ; Mr. Robert Woolfenden, Rochdale (slating); Mr. J. J. Smithies, (steel-work, cast ironwork, etc.); T. Holt and Company, Rochdale (winding and warping machinery); Messrs. Carter Brothers, Rochdale (millwrights' work). The mill was designed by and has been erected under the supervision of Mr. Sidney Stott, architect and engineer, Oldham. [Rochdale Observer - Saturday 27 May 1905 page 8]

The Cromer Mill has received nearly all its machinery. Delivery is expected to be completed by month’s end. [Cotton Factory Times, 13 October 1905 page 5]

Powered by a 2000ihp Buckley and Taylor inverted vertical triple expansion engine.
Machinery supplied by Asa Lees and Company
Mill lit by electricity.

Reference    Cotton Factory Times - Friday 16 October 1903 Page 5
Reference    Cotton Factory Times - Friday 27 November 1903
Reference    Rochdale Observer - Saturday 27 May 1905 page 8
Reference    Cotton Factory Times, 2 June 1905 page 5 – naming of mill engines
Reference    Cotton Factory Times, 13 October 1905 page 5