Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on the Anchor Mills Paisley thread making complex.

Anchor Mill, Paisley, Scotland

Information on the former Finishing Mill being part of the former Anchor Mills thread making complex.

Although no longer used for industrial purposes, the building represents an important legacy of Paisley’s former industrial base. This was via leadership of the thread manufacturing industry. Summary facts and information:

• Built 1886 for John Clark of the eponymous Paisley based family of thread manufacturers. Clark & Co merged with J & P Coats in 1896 as well as other businesses in England and the USA. This new company had its headquarters in Glasgow. Upon flotation the company had a market value in the region of £22 million, with roughly 25,000 shareholders. This was one of the world’s first truly global companies, employing around 21,000 people worldwide.
• Constructed in red brick and extends to 36,000 square feet.
• The interior features a central well topped with an unusual glass lantern light. This design allows light to flood in. Also, the design provided space for drive belts to reach machines on top floor from engine on ground floor.
• The anchor mills complex reached a peak of 51 acres in 1952 but work ceased in the 1980s.
• After a period of dereliction, the site was regenerated under auspices of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust (then Prince Charles). The building was re-opened in 2005 as a combined location for business units and private apartments.

Interior of refurbished Anchor Mill, Paisley

The White Cart Water (river) flows around two sides the building and forms the impressive Hamills Waterfall.

Anchor Mill and White Cart Waterfall, Paisley

An attractive building forming an important part of Scotland’s industrial history.

Stanley Mills in Perthshire is a similar survivor of the textile mill era.

More information

Scotland was at the heart of the transformative Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries. The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains an extensive section on the Industrial Revolution including relevant visitor sites. The ISBN of the guide is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.