Description and History of Site:-
Yorkshire Stone built Textile Mill complex of varying dates. The original 3/4 storey Mill was built by Joseph Binns and it's first occupant was William Lund. in 1830.

The original building is Georgian in appearance, with large windows, some with arches. What appears to be the original panelled ceiling is still in place on the top floor. The original number of stories is unclear as scars on the outer walls show that floor levels have been altered over the years. The plan of the original building can be traced internally due to moulding's on the outside of the original wall.

This building is surrounded by later additions, including what is reputed to be the first purpose built Weaving Shed in Yorkshire. This was built in 1842 with Joseph Binns as the Architect modelling it to the pattern of Fieldings in Todmorden and still features a “north light” roof.

Originally water powered, with parts of the water management system are still visible along the beck-side. In the walls it is still possible to see the squares where the large shafts, that ran the belts to provide power for the machinery, entered the buildings..

James Lund, son of William, continued extending and improving and constructing additional Mills, Sheds and Warehouses culminating in a 7 storey building that had ceiling heights of 14ft. The result was a multi level complex, which at one point was built over the beck, that accommodated a 1000 looms and employed over a 1000 workers.

James Lund also installed a Fire system, which surrounded the premises and set the Steam Engines apart from the main buildings. Parts of this system still surround the buildings and there are ruins of what was thought to be the Engine Shed. However this was to no avail as a major fire destroyed the 7 storey building in 1950.

What is still referred to as the “new building” was added on two sides of the original mill, and to the same height, during the mid 1940's. Internal walls are of brick and the exterior is rendered. Each of the 3 stories feature a complete run of the original “Art Deco” style metal windows around the whole of the floor.

The remainder of the building were largely intact until 1975/6, when some were demolished and the lower level converted to rental units. The higher level was retained for use as a textile operation.

The site is still accessed via the original routes of Mohair St and Becks Road. Pre 1830 the original mill was built by Joseph Binns on land leased from the Duke of Devonshire.
1830- Newly built mill was jointly occupied by William Lund & Son, Spinners and John Greenwood & Sons, Spinners
1831 William Lund purchased two Power Looms and stored them in the garret
1832-William Lund & Son occupying the whole Mill
1l833- The 2 original Power Looms went in to production with more bought from Mr Shaw of Halifax.
1835- More Power Looms were bought from Fox & Bland, of Keighley
1838- William Lund bought Joseph Bins share of the Mill
1842- The weaving Shed was built, reputedly the first in Yorkshire.It was built after the pattern of Messrs.Fieldings of Todmorden.
1851- William Lund purchased the freehold from the Duke of Devonshire..
1855 approx. A new wider spinning shed was added
Between 1861 & 1879 Mills and Sheds were expanded, a the 7 storey Wool Warehouse was added and substantial Offices were built and an electric telegraph was installed.
1870 W Roberts & Sons, Nelson-Built a pair of beam engines for William Lund and Son, North Beck Mills, Keighley
1911-Seems to have returned to multiple occupation
1921 John Hudson & Co go into liquidation
1921 Geo T Mason, Manufacturer, goes into liquidation with the sale of the Freehold of the site
1950 Site occupied by Smth Brothers & Fosters Ltd, T.Snowden and Isaac Ingham Ltd. The latter occupying the 7 store Warehouse when it burn't down.
1957 SB&F purchased lower level from T. Snowden. Probable time for demolition of 2/3 storey mills with creation of "New Building" to join upper and lower sites.
1962 Purchase of High Marsh and alterations to access and car parking created.
1976 Demolition of Canteen and mishmash of odd buildings to create yard for rental units created from lower level buildings
1985 Firm is split with SB&F taking lower level and newly created Chilcott Ltd, T/A Pennine Weavers, taking upper level
1990 SB&F ceases trading. Marrose Engineering buy the Units and central section. R.C.T.Ackernley retains the lower warehouse section.

Further Reading and References:-
John Hodgsons - Textile Manufacture in Keighley- 1879
M.L.Baumber- From Revival to Regency- 1983 - Keighley - 14/09/16

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Key Words :- hand combing, spinning, weaving, power looms, water power, worsted, textile,

Viewing the Site :- No Public Access. Can be viewed from Public footpaths to the North and South of the site accesed via Becks Road

Address :- Becks Road, New Town, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD21 1SG
Grid Ref :- SE 05468 40929
Co-ordinates :- Lat 53.864550 , Long -1.918338
Local Authority :- City of Bradford
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - West Riding
Site Status :- Site extant - Protected status unknown
Site Condition :- Operational site, in use for original purpose
Site Dates :- Late 1820's -
Record Date :- 9 April 2016

Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © Keighley