In its later years it became a bleachworks, but it started as a calico printworks, associated with the dyeing of cloth. It was situated behind Pincroft, on the banks of the River Douglas, and with the exception of the more modern red-bricked extension, it has all been demolished. Due to its position on the boundary line, it was sometimes classed as in Blackrod.
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| Huyton Printworks in 1816 (From 'Concerning the Bleaching Industry, 1925') |
According to a publication by the Bleachers' Association, it was started in 1812, so the picture above presumably shows the building when it was relatively newly built. It shows a water wheel and a large chimney.
In 1816, it was run by a Mr Cochran. By 1825, it was known as 'Gallimore Liddell & Co. Calico Printers'. There is then no trace of the building until 1848, by which time it had fallen into disuse, and was turned into a bleachworks which became known as Davies & Eckersley. The history of the building itself during its later life as a bleachworks will be explored in a future post.
Traces of this piece of Adlington's industrial history can be seen on Adlington's circular walk, as seen below.
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| The newer red-brick building on the right is the only building still standing, but traces of stonework can be seen just to the left (click photo to view larger version) |