The footbridge over the Rochdale Canal leads to the Royal Mill.  It was built on the site of a former mill called, Old Mill, that was demolished in 1912 .  The name Royal was in honour of a visit from King George VI in 1942. The Royal Mill was among the first mills purpose-built for electical machinery.



Below you can see the entrance to the Royal Mill. Attached to it is the Sedgwick Mill.  Designed by James Lowe in association with Sir William Fairburn it ranges over 8 storeys and has a fireproof construction with tile floors.  Construction began in 1818.  It had an internal engine house which was home to a 53 horse-power Boulton & Watt beam engine.