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The Whiteheads as employers
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By 1843, Higher Mill had been re-built.
David Whitehead wrote in his diary:
"About 15 years constantly building and putting new machinery to work, the course of which time we have built Holly Mount and Holly Mount School, also 80 cottage houses and mills and sheds in which we have upwards of 1,000 power looms" |
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OS Map of 1844 showing Rawtenstall
(Click the map to enlarge)
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The Whiteheads were caring employers building a school and houses for their employees. However, they were very strict Methodist teetotallers and would not tolerate the consumption of alcohol by their workers.
Peter Whitehead would visit the public houses on Sunday nights to dissuade his workers from the drinking.
A set of rules from their factory gives an understanding of the high standards that they expected from their workers.
"Any worker absent without leave shall be liable to be instantly discharged"
"Any person buying or having ale or spirituous liquors in the mill or premises shall be subject to be instantly discharged"
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In 1855, the Whitehead Brothers decided to dissolve their 40 year partnership. There were no arguments or disputes but they all had growing families and sons to take into their businesses.
Thomas took Higher Mill and the surrounding land and property. David took Lower Mill and the Holly Mount estate. Peter took his share in cash, which he used to build Ilex Mill. |
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Aerial view, showing Holly Mount and Lower Mill. A souvenir photgraph taken for David Whitehead and Sons, 1950.
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