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.

Click the Birley image to return to this page at any timeThe Birley mills

 

Flax Mills, KirkhamFlax Mills, Kirkham
Used principally for the manufacture of engine waste etc

 

 

Kirkham Flax MillKirkham Flax Mill
Eighteenth century wing (rendered) in centre; John Birley's extensions c1804; new wing and chimney for fine spinning c1860, back left

 

 

1824 Directory of Kirkham 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
(Click the image to enlarge

 

 

 

 

Indenture of apprenticeshipIndenture 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".
(Click the image to enlarge)

 

 

 

An early textile millAn early textile mill - Kirkham linen mill

 

 

 

 

 

Map of Kirkham Map of Kirkham showing the location of flax mills owned by the Birley, Hornby and Langton families
(Click the image to enlarge)

 

 

 

Transcript of an original letterTranscript of an original letter. The firm did, in fact, choose the larger engine and it was installed at their Barnfield premises
(Click the image to enlarge)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Map showing the location of Birley's warehouses at WardleyMap showing the location of Birley's warehouses at Wardley
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