Introduction

This evening, I am posting information on an important legacy of Scotland’s industrial history. This is manifested in the former Mile End Textile Mill in Seedhill, Paisley, West of Scotland.

Information on Mile End Mill

This mill was constructed the the Clark family for thread manufacture in 1899-1900. It is five storeys high with a fireproof interior constructed with cast iron columns and steel beams.

The thread industry in Paisley grew from very modest beginnings in the early 18th century to an industrial behemoth. This industry was dominated by the Clark and Coats families. The businesses exported thread worldwide and employed tens of thousands in the Paisley area. The Clarks and Coats were paternalistic and recycled some of the wealth generated back into the local community.The wealth recycling took the form of impressive public buildings most of which remain extant today.

Clark Financed Town Hall in Paisley

Thomas Coats Memorial Baptist Church

The textile industry in Paisley came to an end in the last quarter of the 20th century. However, former mills, such as Mile End and Anchor, have been saved and converted to other purposes, aided by official listing (preservation orders).

Inside the Mile End Mill is a museum dedicated to the former textile industry which is run on a part time basis by local volunteers.

More information

The publication, Visitors’ Guide to Scotland includes sections on Paisley and Industrial History.. This book is heavily illustrated and contains a wealth of information on Scotland and it’s history. The ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. Also available via Kindle.