Nutclough Mill, Hebden Bridge, following restoration

Built in 1797, Nutclough Mill was initially used for cotton spinning. In 1870 the Hebden Bridge Fustian Manufacturing Society was founded and in 1873 the mill was sold for £5,650 to the Society which was described by Fabian socialist Beatrice Potter as the most brilliant example of producer co-operation. Founded at a time when firms of dyers and finishers were taking over fustian cutting, by 1874 they were employing 36 women and 18 men. In the 1880s Nutclough expanded from a small mill into one of the larger mills in Hebden Bridge. With new weaving sheds a new steam engine was acquired which was not replaced until 1916. The Co-operative had an enormous influence in the rapidly growing town and in 1919 the CWS (Cooperative Wholesale Society) became the sole owners with 300 employees. CWS ran the mill until all work was transferred to Hebden Works in 1967, and the mill converted to small industrial units. In September 1974 Pennine Heritage was successful in getting the building listed for its importance in the history and character of Hebden Bridge, and its preservation was secure.