Lancashire Lantern
Lancashire Lantern: Lancashire Pioneers
Part of the Lancashire Lantern network, the Pioneers gives details of people who were famous local people in science, technology and innovation. These pioneers were either born in Lancashire or their endeavours made a significant contribution to the development of the County.
The Birley mills
Flax Mills, Kirkham
Used principally for the manufacture of engine waste etc
Kirkham Flax Mill
Eighteenth century wing (rendered) in centre; John Birley's extensions c1804; new wing and chimney for fine spinning c1860, back left
This 1824 Directory of Kirkham shows the existence of the firm of John Birley and Sons, the successor to the firm of Langton, Shepherd and Birley
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Indenture of apprenticeship, dated September 22 1806, between Henry Seed of Kirkham, his son Randal, and John, William, Thomas and Edward Birley.
Randal was to be taught the trade of "Heckler or flax dresser".
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An early textile mill - Kirkham linen mill
Map of Kirkham showing the location of flax mills owned by the Birley, Hornby and Langton families
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Transcript of an original letter. The firm did, in fact, choose the larger engine and it was installed at their Barnfield premises
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Map showing the location of Birley's warehouses at Wardley
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