The chimney of Frith’s Mill

The original chimney for Friths Mill still stands on the hillside near Friths Farm. The mill has been partly replaced by a residential site. The improvements and inventions of Hargreaves’ spinning jenny, Crompton’s mule, and later, Cartwright’s power loom caused a revolution from domestic trade to factory life. No longer needing water power, factories were built in the valley bottom. Cheap coal, brought in by canal, encouraged the use of steam engines. At least five steam engines were installed in Todmorden mills 1822 – 25, and Fielden Bros. used a 60 h.p. engine to power their weaving shed in 1829.