Brook Mill is located at the top of Brook Street, behind the Cardwell Arms pub. Presumably, it was so named as it sat by Eller Brook. The first proven trace I have of Brook Mill is in September 1866, where Cook and Slater were the cotton manufacturers there. I imagine the cottages on Brook Street were built not long after for employees, as these are mentioned not long after in 1868. In the 1871 census, George Cook is listed as a commercial clerk, and William Slater as the weaving manager.
 |
| Workers at Brook Mill c1925, thanks to Neil Wilford |
 |
| Workers at Brook Mill c1925, thanks to Neil Wilford |
By the 1872 Wigan & District Trade Directory, William and Charles Widdows are listed as the cotton manufacturers there. The first time I have seen the street mentioned as 'Brook Street' is in 1878.
By 1891, it is mentioned that there are: '2,700 spindles, 31/128 hard waste; 96 looms, twills, plains, towels etc.' In 1895, this is ran by J. Unsworth and Brothers, manufacturers of muslin and cotton goods, where it has increased in size to '8's to 10's weft; 4000 spindles, 100 looms; twills, plains, towels, cretonnes etc.'
 |
| 1894 Ordnance Survey map showing Brook Mill |
By 1924, it is listed in trade directories as 'J. Unsworth and Brother Limited'. M.D Smith states that it was incorporated as 'The Brook Doubling Company Limited' in January 1948, and produced Rayon Crepe Yarns and Doubled Yarns for a variety of clothes from dress goods to lingerie. He states that the film took over Huyton Bleachworks during 1951, but at some point, the industry fell into decline.
There are still old walls there as seen from the back of the Cardwell Arms. A number of units have been created, and are occupied by builders, joiners and other tradesmen.
 |
| Remaining walls at Brook Mill |
 |
| Remaining walls at Brook Mill |