Globe Worsted Mills, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield

Globe Mills were built in 1887-9 by the newly established Globe Worsted company of Slaithwaite in the Clone Valley near Huddersfield. The site is now being redeveloped.

Visited February 2014   Huddersfield, UK Undergoing redevelopment

History of Globe Worsted Mills

In 1887 several small manufacturers in the Slaithwaite area joined forces to create the Globe Worsted Company, producers of textiles. They set about building a large mill, typical of the era, to house their manufacturing enterprise. Globe Worsted Mills were built in two stages – the construction of the first, Globe 1 began straight away in 1887 and was completed by the following year. Built to a design which was possibly drawn up by local architect Thomas Varley of Slaithwaite, Globe 1 was 5 stories high and consisted of 33 bays. A detached boiler house, chimney and offices were also included on the site between the canal and road.

In the second phase, Globe 2 was built in 1889 on the opposite side of the road, with an overhead walkway connecting the two buildings. Globe 2 was 5 stories plus a basement, and had 15 bays. [1]

The Globe Worsted company went from strength to strength over the years, and like many other textile mills saw a gradual decline in trade towards the end of the 20th century. The company went into administration in 2004 and closed later that year. [2]

The site has recently been sold to a private developer and a £30 million project is under way to renovate the buildings into a multi-use complex comprising public and business facilities. The chimney has been demolished as part of the works.

References

1. Source: http://yorkshire.u08.eu/?b=62992
2. Source: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/28+jobs+lost+at+Globe+Worsted.-a0126356059