History of mills in the Glen

Rombalds Moor Bleach Works and 19th Century Mills in the Glen

This part of Menston has a fascinating history. Jack Kell, a local historian has extensively researched into the historical background of the village and as a result of his efforts we are able to appreciate that this part of the village was an area of considerable industrial activity. A map of the area is attached below this article.

The origin of the Bleach Mill works is uncertain. It is believed to have been a woollen mill and possibly owned by James Padgett who later lived at Menston Low Hall.

In 1870 the mill was bought by Joseph Gill and sons, linen bleachers. They constructed Bleach Mill Lane and, in 1890, employed about 40 people including some women. 30 horses were kept near Low Fold behind Hag Farm.

When the mill closed in 1927 tarpaulins were being bleached and one reason for closure was because of excess pollution flowing into the Dry Beck to the river Wharfe at Burley.

The only buildings which remain are the manager's house still occupied as a dwelling house, the adjacent pay office, joiners shop and stables. Turning left from the footpath, beyond Bleach Mill, is the Glen - now a local beauty spot.

Halfway up was the Middle or Hargreaves Mill, a spinners and scribbling mill powered by water from a dam on Carr Beck. The mill had a cast iron water wheel, one of the largest in the district. All that now remains is the chimney and part of the dam sluice gates.

Myrtle Grove Mill was on the site of the two existing cottages and its water supply came from a dam in Green Lane, higher up the Glen. This mill was also used for spinning and scribbling. The substantial dwellings on the left going up were, at various times, mill workers cottages and workshops.

It has been established by a local history group that there was another mill in the Glen, Listers, and the owner in 1819 was Nathan Hustler. Crossing the Woodhead road into Green Lane was a spinning mill in the early 19th century to the west of Turnpike House. It is marked on the first 6 inch Ordnance Survey map of the area, the survey for which was made in 1847.