Joni Mitchell sang ‘you don’t know what you’ve got ’till its gone’, words often quoted today but in this case I would urge anyone who finds the following to be of interest to make sure they go soon, as with planned local council cutbacks in Lancashire, the wonderful and fully operational Queen Street Mill may not be open for much longer, and what a loss that will be to the heritage scene in the UK – but how many readers have heard of it, let alone been?  Its the challenge for museums and heritage attractions that, once established (usually over 20 years ago) and under the care of local councils, have developed little further (having already a stall to set out) and find themselves facing increased running costs and therefore a certain vulnerability in these straightened times…

Queen Street Mill, Burnley

Below: Queen Street Mill was built in 1894 by the Queen Street Mill Manufacturing Company, its purpose to weave plain cotton fabric.  At one point it contained 1000 Lancashire looms, all powered by the 500 hp steam engine ‘Peace’ which continues in this role today.  The mill closed commercially in 1982, but was reopened as a musem.   This is the mill from the roadside, showing the chimney and engine house nearest to the camera.

Below: The mill is perhaps most famous for its Weaving Shed, in which over 300 Lancashire looms fill the air with their sound when operating.  Originally there were over three times this number of looms working in the mill, all being driven via the conspicuous line shafting above.

Below: The engine, Peace, was built in 1894 by William Roberts & Co of Nelson and is of a horizontal tandem-compound type, that is to say it has both high and low pressure cylinders on the same piston and driving the flywheel by a single connecting rod.  The engine is immaculate and is impressive for its operation at ‘running speed’ rather than more sedate operation usually associated with preserved engines.  Having a load to work against certainly gives its operation purpose!

The mill is a fascinating place, full of atmosphere and I would advise that you visit it soon as its future, as mentioned above, is by no means certain.  The staff are friendly and very knowledgeable, greatly adding to the experience of visiting the mill.  But go soon…

See http://www.visitlancashire.com/things-to-do/queen-street-mill-textile-museum-p7837