This dates from 1797 although it was extensively re-built in 1823 with further extensions later in that century. The three storey building is of sandstone with a Kerridge slate roof. The buildings opposite included the manager's house and offices. The upper part of the boilerhouse chimney has been removed and the lantern above the stairwell has been lost. This had originally been a cotton mill and was purchased by Mr Sheldon following a fire in the 1820's. The mill was re-equipped to manufacture candle wick, especially for miner's lamps, a trade which continued until closure in 1937. The company was originally styled "John Sheldon and Son", a partnership between John and John Thomas Sheldon which was dissolved in 1875. The company was later known as Sheldon Brothers.
The mill was water powered and still contains its overshot iron water wheel, 26ft in diameter. Water was carried from the adjacent lodge through a steel channel which can still be seen. The mill was equipped in 1840 with a condensing beam engine supplied by Sherratts of Salford as an auxiliary supply of power. A lean-to extension forms the boiler house which contains a Cornish boiler.
Originally lit by oil, Sheldon Brothers subsequently manufactured their own gas for lighting before installing a water powered electricity supply.
The site is Grade II listed and privately owned. The buildings are intact and in reasonable order and much of the original machinery still exists. Hopefully they will one day be restored and find a new purpose and perhaps even open to public view.
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| The former manager's house and offices. |
Candlewick Mill, one of our members from Manchester Region Industrial Archaeology Society, was recently walking down by the mill and he happened to meet the son of Old Mr. Sheldon who very kindly showed him around.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds as if he is looking at possible uses for the site, may be renovation of the cottages and other developments with the mill itself.
Our member was concerned as to whether any society was in touch with the latest thoughts for the site?
My apologies of this is outdated information.
Kind regards,
Gordon Browne
Vice Chairman MRIAS
Thank you very much for contacting Furness Vale History Society. Although the Candlewick Mill is geographically outside of our area of interest, its future is of concern to us. Two of our committee members live nearby and I will pass them your comments and ask if they have any further knowledge or information. I will reply again in due course.
DeleteKindest regards
David Easton
Archivist
Furness Vale History Society
Good morning Gordon
ReplyDeleteI have had the following reply from our local members, but nothing conclusive. I will contact you again should anything else come to light:
We haven't heard anything about the mill, the managers cottage opposite has had a bit of sprucing up done on it, but we'll keep an ear open for developments. It's going to be a tricky thing to get through planning, and it's hard to see what could be done with it. It would make a good number of flats, but there's not a lot of parking of facilities. We don't want to se it becoming derelict though.
Kindest regards
David Easton