Drummond Mill

Drummond Mill is a spinning complex in Manningham comprising a spinning mill, warehouses, spinning sheds, and engine house with chimney, constructed from sandstone blocks with carefully dressed ashlar. The structure employed cast iron pillars and double-skin floors as fire protection against the flammable hazards of textile manufacturing.

The mill was commissioned by James Drummond & Son and designed by architects Henry Francis Lockwood and William Mawson, opening for production in 1886. It emerged during Bradford's textile boom when wealthy manufacturers invested heavily in expansive modern manufacturing facilities.

The mill embodied Bradford's identity as a powerhouse of Victorian textile manufacturing, with its Italian-inspired design reflecting the prosperity of local fabric makers. The careful stonework and ornamental details reveal the pride manufacturers took in their industrial works.

The building stands as a classic example of Victorian industrial architecture and can be viewed from various street angles, with the distinctive chimney visible from multiple perspectives. Visitors should explore the area in daylight to fully appreciate the stonework details and craftsmanship of the facades.

The octagonal chimney of the boiler house stands on a square plinth and ranks among Bradford's finest mill chimneys according to Historic England. This unusual shape for an industrial chimney makes the structure instantly recognizable from a distance.

Location: Bradford

GPS coordinates: 53.80091,-1.76439

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:40