Textiles

Over the centuries the textile industry has played an important role in Nidderdale National Landscape.

Monks responsible for starting the textile industry in Nidderdale. They used wool from the sheep reared on monastic estates as far back as the 12th century.

The industry gradually grew as demand for textiles increased to match the increasing population.

In the 17th and 18th centuries textile production in Nidderdale shifted from wool to linen.

At the end of the 18th century, the invention of more efficient spinning machines and the ability to harness water to power the Nidderdale textile mills led to growth and more concentrated industry.

In the 19th century textile ‘empires’ were developed with fine mill buildings, chapels, schools and workers cottages.

The textile industry has now largely declined. Its legacy of engineering structures, buildings, and settlements is an important part of the landscape.

Today

Two of the most significant mills in the National Landscape are Glasshouses and New York Mill at Summerbridge.

If you wander along the River Washburn at Blubberhouses you can still see an old mill race. This served the huge five storey West House Mill that once stood on what is now the cricket ground.