Thomas Ainsworth
of Eccles, Silk mill
1852 "The silk mill of Mr. Thomas Ainsworth, also at Eccles, had from 1,500 to 9.000 squares of glass broken in the weaving sheds. Here the pieces of silk in the looms suffered great damage, not only from the descending hailstones, which wetted the fabric and destroyed the colours for nearly a yard in length in each about 230 looms, but from the pieces of glass knocked through upon them, cutting and otherwise damaging the silk goods they came in contact with. No estimate had been formed of the total damage in this mill, but it will be considerable."[1]
1858 Sale Notice: 'Valuable Silk Mill, Machinery, Cottages, Land, and Premises, at Eccles. By Mr. WILLIAM GRUNDY, .... ALL that PLOT OF LAND, in Eccles, in the county of Lancaster, containing altogether 10,000 superficial square yards of land or thereabouts. And also all that Mill or Silk Factory Weaving Shed, having an area of 1,011 square yards, 10 feet 6 inches high to beam, with north lights; warehouse three stories and cellar, and the engine and boiler-house 98 yards in extent; mechanics' shop and room of two stories, joiner's shop, stable coach-house of two stories, and other buildings and erections on the said plot of land or on some part thereof. Together with the steam-engine of 16-horse power, by Peel, Williams, and Co.; two-cylindrical steam-boilers, each 20 horse power; polished mill gearing, steam and water-pipes, 200-light gas meter, with fittings for 500 lights, the whole forming altogether one of the most complete and efficient concerns in the neighbourhood of Manchester, and they were recently in the occupation of Mr. Thomas Ainsworth, deceased. And also all and singular the Machinery and other articles and things connected therewith, and now being and upon the said mill and premises, and consisting of 234 patent silk power-looms, by Crowley, Lynch, and Hurst, and Diggle; 69 picking frames, 14 winding machines, warping mills, with beaming, twisting, and clearing frames; index machines, stretchers, bobbins, cans, strapping, mill stores, lathes, tools, and contents of mechanics' shop, warehouse, and office fixtures, with every requisite for carrying the business of a silk manufacturer, and mentioned and comprised in inventory which will be produced at the time of the sale thereof, and which the meantime may be seen at the offices of the Auctioneer. And also all that clear Yearly Rent of £6 reserved and made payable out of 908 yards of land adjoining the above premises and the buildings thereon. The mill and other buildings are of modern construction and substantially built....'[2]