Imperial Mill

Imperial Mill is a red brick cotton mill in Little Harwood featuring three to four stories with numerous eight-paned windows set into its walls. The building stands on Wallace and Gorse Street near the Leeds and Liverpool Canal and currently houses Lancashire Saw Company.

The mill was designed and built in 1901 by architect P.S. Stott when Lancashire led the textile industry. It operated for nearly a century until 1980 and is now Grade II listed.

This mill symbolized the era when Blackburn became a major textile center and thousands worked in its industry. Visitors can observe how the factory shaped the town and remains part of its identity today.

The site is easily accessible on foot and located near the canal, making a walk through the area straightforward. The red brick walls and large windows are clearly visible from street level, so you can explore the exterior without special arrangements.

The engine house displays six round-arched windows along its long sides and two Gothic-styled arched windows facing the canal. These architectural details show how Stott designed the building to be both functional and visually thoughtful.

Location: Blackburn with Darwen

GPS coordinates: 53.75338,-2.45624

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:05