Inside Bankfoot Mill, Hebden Bridge

The firm, Crabtree Bros Ltd., specialised in dyeing and finishing heavy fustians, mainly moleskins, and related fabrics such as Bedford Cords, Whipcords and cavalry twills. The firm didn’t process corduroys or other pile fabrics. Much of the production was used for traditional protective clothing in heavy industry and many other industrial applications. Picture taken during the week before the mill closed for good, probably during the 1970s. The mill was not used again and was eventually demolished and replaced with housing. Everet King is seen here shearing the surface of a moleskin piece after drying.