SOURHALL MILL

(Peel Mill)

Sourhall

Todmorden

Map Ref. SD 917246

The cottages where Sourhall Mill and later the

hospital were situated

 

Known occupiers

c1814-1818

RATCLIFFE John

c1830

HOLT Martin

c1851-1865

HOLT Martin and sons

c1854-1864

HOLT Thomas

1865-1866

TATTERSALL & Co.

1867-1873

CROSSLEY & HEYWORTH

1874

Empty

1875

Local Board Hospital

For the full story of the mill after it was converted to a hospital see SOURHALL HOSPITAL

For more information on John Ratcliffe see LOWER WOODFIELD FARM

For the story of Martin Holt and his six sons see HOLT BROTHERS

For the story of John and Sally Holt see SALLY MILLS

Notes from John Travis, contemporary historian:

In those days, the principal occupation for farmers and their families was hand weaving at home. John Ratcliffe was fully initiated in this cottage industry, having been taught the art by his parents. John set up a small business from the nearby cottages at Sourhall for this purpose. He was a familiar figure, often seen riding on horseback to the Manchester markets, wearing white knee breeches and a top hat. (This is confirmed by the St. Mary’s baptism register in 1814 and 1818 where he is recorded as a manufacturer of Sourhall when 2 of his children were baptised.)

On introduction of power looms Martin Holt started in business as a picker maker, in which his sons joined him and prospered.

Some of the old houses at Sourhall were used by Martin Holt & Sons as picker makers shop and dwelling houses until father and mother died. Thomas Holt remained and acquired other adjoining property, and being prosperous about 1854 converted 3 or 4 old houses into a weaving place of 2 rooms. For several years both picker and cotton manufactured. After his death, place taken as a going concern by Messrs. Samuel Crossley and John Heyworth of Todmorden. Worked place for some time but eventually gave it up as it was too far out for trade.

Additional information

researched, recorded and referenced by Mrs Sheila Wade

Hebden Bridge WEA Local History Group

Todmorden Rates Book 1860-64

Owner and occupier Thomas Holt; Sourhall; picker manufacture and loom shop; rateable value £20.1s.9d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1865

Occupiers Tattersall & Co. owner Thomas Holt, Sourhall, loom shop, Rateable value £20.1s.9d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1866

Occupiers Tattersall & Co. owner Crossley & Heyworth, Sourhall, shed, gas works, hp; rateable value £29.9s.0d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1867

Half empty; owners Samuel Crossley and Heyworth; Sourhall, shed, gas works, hp; rateable value £29.9s.0d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1868-70

Owner and occupier Samuel Crossley; Sourhall; shed, power etc. rateable value £29.9s.0d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1871-73

Occupier Samuel Crossley, owner Nathan Law, Sourhall; shed, power etc. rateable value £29.9s.0d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1874

Empty; owner Nathan Law, Sourhall; shed, power etc. rateable value £29.9s.0d.

Todmorden Rates Book 1875

Owners The Local Board, hospital etc.