Bancroft Mill

In 1920, James Nutter built Bancroft Mill and started cotton weaving there. This mill was the last of the 13 mills in Barnoldswick to be built
The 600bhp cross compound engine was built locally at Pheonix foundry in Nelson by William Roberts and Sons.
The fly wheel on the engine is massive, it is 16 feet in diameter and weighs 30 tons, it does 68 rpm. Originally this wheel used 13 cotton ropes to drive the second motion pulley, which is 8 feet in diameter

This powers a 263 feet long main shaft that goes into the weaving shed and has 19 line shafts running at right angles from it to power the looms.

There are 2 cylinders on the engine, one called "James", which is the high pressure cylinder and another called "Mary Jane", this is the low pressure cylinder. Mary Jane's Bore is 17 inches in diameter and James' is 34 inches in diameter

Steam comes from the boiler at 160 lbs per square inch and goes into the high pressure cylinder (James) which turns the flywheel over. The steam is then passed into the low pressure cylinder (Mary Jane) as there is still some energy left in it, Mary Jane re-uses the steam which gives the wheel a further turn. The used steam is then condensed back into re-usable water in the basement.

This image might take a while to load but it is worth the wait if you are interested in seeing what it is like inside the mill

Bancroft Mill is an excellect place to visit, especially if you are interested in history or engineering. There is free car parking, access for disabled people and a refreshment room. Alse there is a book shop

The museum is open for static viewing on most Saturdays,it will also be steaming on the dates below

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