Gorpley Mill, Bacup Road

When this photograph was taken, c. 1900-1910, all that remained of the former weaving and spinning mill was the upper wheel race. Built in 1805 the mill was operated by the Ormerod Bros. from 1824 until about 1870. The place stood empty for many years before being taken down in 1894. The cottage at the junction of Gorpley and Midgelden Cloughs is still standing, although uninhabited for more than fifty years.