Torr Mill, New Mills, Derbyshire. Archaeological Evaluation, Survey and Watching Brief.

Following on from a desk-based assessment undertaken by Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) in April 2003, an archaeological evaluation, building survey and watching brief was conducted by OA North on behalf of United Utilities Ltd at the site of Torr Mill, New Mills, Derbyshire (SK 001852). The work was carried out between May and November 2003, prior to a proposed development to improve sewage management along the west bank of the river Sett.
The study area is situated within a conservation area known as the Torrs, positioned on the flat bottom of a deep natural gorge which runs through the centre of New Mills.
The ruins of Torr Mill sit on the north bank of the river Goyt and the west bank of the river Sett. The proposed development lies in an approximately rectangular area, c40m
by 250m, within the upstanding remains of the mill.
Torr Mill was built during the 1780’s as a water powered cotton spinning operation.
The Schofield family owned it from 1794 until 1912, when the mill was destroyed by fire. In 1828 an estate plan was drawn up which showed the mill had two buildings, and three millworkers cottages. By the mid-nineteenth century, the mill had extended substantially as a result of incorporating steam power. The mill ceased to manufacture cotton in the 1890’s, when its function changed to spinning linen yarn. At the time of the fire in 1912, the five-storey mill was used by fustian cutters.