Brunswick Mill, Bradford Road, Ancoats, Manchester. Documentary Account.

In August 2005, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by Mr M Jenner to compile a documentary account of Brunswick Mill, situated on Bradford Road, Ancoats, Manchester (centred on NGR SJ 8585 9872). Brunswick Mill originates from 1839, and forms part of an impressive group of mid- 19th century cotton-spinning mills that flank the Ashton under Lyne Canal on the eastern fringe of Ancoats. It was designed by the firm of David Bellhouse, who
emerged as one of the leading mill architects of the early 19th century, with a particular specialism in fireproof construction techniques. When erected, Brunswick Mill represented one of the largest textile factories in the country, built in one principal phase to a quadrangle layout and to an unprecedented length of 92m. The main mill block, situated alongside the canal, was erected to a height of seven stories, with full-height wings extending northwards from both ends. The central courtyard was enclosed by a three-storey block fronting Bradford Road, which incorporates the arched main entrance to the complex. The main block was used predominantly for spinning, which was undertaken initially on self-acting mules positioned transversely, one to each of the 28 bays per floor within the mill. The wings were used for a combination of spinning and ancillary processes, and the primary function of the front range was for warehousing and offices. The machinery was driven by a steampowered beam engine that was almost certainly compounded to increase its output rating.