Greencroft Mill

Manchester Rd, Hyde,
Tameside

Greencroft Mill was located on Manchester Rd between Robert St to the west and Water St to the east. It was built in 1802/03 for John Ashton (1780-1846) and it was the first purpose-built cotton mill in Hyde to be steam powered. By 1891 the mill was being worked by Hibbert and Aspland (Edward Hibbert and Arthur Palmer Aspland) but in Dec 1893 Arthur Palmer Aspland stepped down and Edward Hibbert continued the business styled as Edward Hibbert & Co.

View of Greencroft Mill, early 20th century, looking eastwards from the Robert St corner, showing the 3-storey and 5-storey ranges fronting the road.

By 1891 the mill had 26,668 mule spindles and 1,480 ring spindles, 141/341 twist (warp) and 161/421 weft, as well as 541 looms, showing that the business was fully integrated for both spinning and weaving. The above twist (warp) and weft values show the range of spinning that the mill could produce.

141/341 twist (warp) is re-written as 14/1 to 34/1. The first value equates to 1 strand of Yarn Count Size 14 cotton and the second value equates to 1 strand of Yarn Count Size 34 cotton. 161/421 weft is re-written as 16/1 to 42/1. The first value equates to 1 strand of Yarn Count Size 16 cotton and the second value equates to 1 strand of Yarn Count Size 42 cotton. For both the warp and weft yarns, the lower Count Size numbers represent thicker heavier yarn, while the higher Count Size numbers represent finer, thinner yarn.

The company specialised in weaving twill and drill fabrics. Cotton twill is a type of weave characterised by its diagonal ribbing and soft texture. Cotton drill is very similar but it is stronger and more resistant to wear and tear, making it more suitable for heavy-duty applications.

Cotton twill fabric.

Greencroft Mill had a wide-ranging history. Gas lighting was introduced there in 1812 and between 1836 and 1845 it was used as a temporary barracks for the 10th, 20th and 38th Regiment of Foot (Thomas Middleton, 1899) before returning to cotton production under new ownership. Their presence was due to the Chartist Movement (1838-1857). Cotton production ceased in 1932 and in 1938 it was occupied by Crossley Motors Ltd of Gorton, Manchester, for the manufacture of buses. Subsequently, sections of the mill were demolished but the 3-storey and 5-storey ranges fronting Manchester Rd survived until 1987 when they too were demolished.