In 1785, John Watson built the Walton Factory, which would later be known as Penwortham Mill, on Factory Lane. This was a textile factory which included weaving and fabric production. The factory was originally powered by a water mill running off a stream that fed into the Ribble.
Owners of large textile mills purchased large numbers of children from workhouses and orphanages in all the larger towns and cities, including London. By the late 1790s, about a third of the workers in the cotton industry were children and known as pauper apprentices.
Penwortham Mill was purchased by Vernon Carus in 1915 and specialised in the manufacture of surgical lint. A product which was in massive demand during the First World War. The mill was closed in 2006. It has since been demolished and houses are being built on the site.
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Then and Now;
Or Events, Manners, and Customs In Preston, The Surrounding Districts, and The Kingdom, During The First Half Of This Century, selected from the file of the Preston Chronicle, &c., With comments and comparisons, by “Atticus.”
April 28, 1808.
“Walton factory” (that in Penwortham) contained at this time, according to an advertisement announcing it to be let, 150,000 spindles.
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207481788/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=6&xid=632562cc
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TO BE LET,
FOR A TERM OF YEARS,
Extensive COTTON FACTORY, called “Walton Factory,” situate within a mile of Preston, with an excellent Steam Engine of 30 horses power, and all necessary Gearing for the various description of Machinery required in Cotton Spinning, Gas House, Apparatus, and Piping complete. Also FIFTY-ONE COTTAGES, adjoining or near thereto, a provision shop, a suitable house for a manager, and a delightfully situated residence for the principal, within a short distance of the Factory, but quite retired therefrom, with Gardens, and Pleasure Grounds, and about 4 Acres of good Meadow and Pasture LAND. There is an inexhaustible supply of Water from a Reservoir of 8 Acres, which skirts one side of the pleasure grounds, and is highly ornamental to the premises.
The Lancaster Canal Company’s Tram Road passes – within 100 yards of the Engine House, and a regular supply of Coals from the most favourite Pits in the neighbourhood of Wigan can at all time be procured at a moderate price.
For terms and further particulars apply to Messrs.
HARRISON, Solicitors, Preston.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, June 15, 1833
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207411831/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=379dfbee
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STEALING HAY.-On Wednesday last, a man of the name
of George Ware was charged with stealing 14 lbs. of hay, the property of Mr. Norreys, of Penwortham. It appears that the prisoner, who was a cart driver with Mr. Harris, Walton Factory, and a decent-looking man, had been in the habit of stealing similar quantities of hay from Mr. Norreys, two or three times a week throughout the last six months. Ware was in the habit of bringing the stolen hay to a stabler in the town, who keeps a beer shop, and who doubtless gave value in return for it. The transactions, however, were cautiously managed on the part of the purchaser, who took care never to be present when the hay was brought. It was de-posited in the stable by Ware, the former, of course, not knowing anything about it. Ware was committed to stand trial at the next sessions, but was subsequently bailed.
STEALING HAY
Date: Saturday, Jan. 13, 1844
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207423133/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=2&xid=3f46fe6e
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SANATORY CONDITION OF PENWORTHAM AND WALTON-LE-DALE. Within the last month 100 notices for the removal of nuisances, under the General Sanatory Bill now in existence, have been issued by Mr. S. C. Fisher, of this town, with the sanction of the magistrates, at the following places: -The Boat House, Middleforth Green, Tardy Gate Lane, Charnock Moss, Brown’s Row, Pope Lane End, Back Lane, Cop Lane, and Penwortham End;-and, in the same period, 117 similar notices have been served in the village of Walton-le-Dale, Moon’s Mill, Killingburn Brow, Gregson Lane, Drumhead, Livesey Green, Bamber Bridge, Tool House Lane, and Walton Factory. We understand that in a number of cases these notices have had the desired effect of producing a cleansing of foul ditches and drains, and a removal of offensive manure heaps from immediate proximity with human habitations. Of course, where no attention is paid to the matter, the next proceeding will be to issue summonses against the defaulters.
LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.
Date: Saturday, Oct. 2, 1847
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207428323/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=5&xid=26ed1520
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TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY,
THE COTTON SPINNING MACHINERY belonging to Mr. George C. Harris, at Walton Factory,
near Preston, consisting of
1 Drawing Frame, & Boxes of two deliveries, with Plungers to Inst box.
1 Slubbing Frame, 74 spindles, 8 in. lift, presser füles.
2 15
do.
do. 64
“
1 do. do. “
60
“
1 Roving Frame
108
6 in.
1
do.
do.
120
6
do.
do. 128
Boft bobbins.
2 do. 18 in. -4 pairs of Hand Mules, 824 spindles each mule, 15-16th in, space.
44
do.
do.
834
“
space.
ב
The above are by Thomas Grundy and Co., and are nearly as good as new.
Also-A 15 feet Fly Wheel, diameter of eye 12 in.
Bobbins and Creel Pegs.
20 now Doffing Tins, holding 40lbs; &c., &c.
For further particulars apply at the Factory.
October 4th, 1855.
Advertisements & Notices
Date: Saturday, Oct. 13, 1855
Publication: Preston Chronicle
Gale Primary Sources, British Library Newspapers:
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/Y3207444541/BNCN?u=lancs&sid=bookmark-BNCN&pg=1&xid=a7a655c6
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