Marshall's Mill

Marshall's Mill is a six-story industrial building made of red brick with large windows and solid walls that clearly show its textile manufacturing origins. The entrance was redesigned with modern materials and a double-height timber-framed vestibule that contrasts with the original structure.

John Marshall founded this flax spinning mill between 1791 and 1792 using one of the first Boulton & Watt steam engines for textile production. The site grew significantly over time and became a center of textile manufacturing in the region.

The mill represents the shift from small-scale textile work to large industrial production that defined this region. Visitors can still sense the scale of operations through the building's imposing size and layout.

The building now functions as office space and can be viewed from the exterior, with the industrial architecture clearly visible. The Holbeck location is easily accessible by public transport and gives visitors a good sense of the city's textile industry heritage.

The site also housed Temple Mill, a companion building constructed between 1838 and 1841 with unusual Egyptian architectural elements. This rare example of Egyptian-style design in an industrial factory is difficult to spot today as it sits largely hidden behind the main structure.

Location: Leeds

GPS coordinates: 53.79070,-1.55318

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:08