The Chorlton New Mills are made up of three multi-story mills built in stages in 1813, 1818 and 1845.  They were built for the Birley family.  The complex included mills and associated engine house and a basement level gas works.  The steel strapped chimney was built in 1853.  Today these fireproof mill buildings are apartment blocks.  Hugh Hornby Birley, the principal figure in the founding of the Chorlton Mills came to "fame" as the captain at the head of the Yeomanry who charged the crowd in the Peterloo Massacre of 1819.