Mills of the North

England’s textile mills, once the workshop of the world, were the original Northern Powerhouse. They’re fundamental to the history, culture and landscape of northern England.

Sadly, the north’s historic mills are rapidly being lost. Many more stand empty and neglected. 45% of Greater Manchester’s historic mills have been lost since the 1980s, with a similar rate of loss in West Yorkshire. There have been over 100 fires at historic mills in Bradford alone since 2010.

These distinctive, character-filled places can accommodate wonderful homes, workplaces and cultural spaces. Our historic mill buildings offer a tangible link to the past and deserve a future at the centre of local communities.