Samuel Oldknow’s Mellor Mill, the largest cotton mill in the world when it was built in 1790-92, was burnt out in 1892. With the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the mill complex is being excavated and will be opened as a Heritage Park as part of the project “Revealing Oldknow’s Legacy: Mellor Mill and the Peak Forest Canal in Marple”.
The Minister met with William Wragg, and members of the Mellor Archaeological Trust who secured funding for the project.
MAT Trustee Ann Hearle and Mill site director Bob Humphrey-Taylor explained to the Culture Secretary how the funding would allow for the complex to be uncovered and offer a more interactive experience for visitors in a small country park.
When completed, visitors will be able to see the original mill in action through their smartphone or tablet, and more tours of the site will be made available.
William Wragg said, “I was delighted that Sajid had the chance to see this important piece of local heritage and hear about the exciting plans that the Archaeological Society have for the site. They deserve a lot of credit for the work that they have done in obtaining the funding and putting together this excellent volunteer-led project.”