Pouring molten iron, Backbarrow, Cumbria

Photograph taken unavailable © Reproduced by permission of Historic England Archive ref: bb98/09918

This period photograph shows an iron worker pouring molten metal into pig beds. The moulds used are nothing more elaborate than carefully shaped areas of fine sand. Note how the worker has no protective clothing.

Location

Cumbria Backbarrow

Period

Victorian (1837 - 1901)

Themes

This mill was originally known as Jumble Hole Mill. It was first mentioned in 1788. Between 1815 and 1826 it was owned by Christopher Rawden who owned several mills in the locality. On 11th August 1899 the mill was destroyed by fire. This photograph could have been taken after the fire. The mill was altered and extended during the 19th and 20th century. The 1947 Yorkshire textile Industry directory has an entry for Jumble Hole Mill:
'Cocker and Co (1929) Ltd. (bleaching, dyeing and finishing of blacks and colours; rayons; crepes; cashmeres; brocades; muslins)
Cockers closed in the 1950s, but the mill was later used for silk dyeing.

Pouring molten iron, Backbarrow, Cumbria

Location

Period

Themes

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