Highfield Mills and the Wilson Family by Charles Soderlund & Tom Marshall © 07/2020
Above, Highfield Mills, 1928. After this date and right up to the 1960s and 70s, Highfield Mills changed little outwardly. In fact, so did most of Gildersome around it. The mill began its life in 1861 and continued operating until 1972. John Wilson Ltd (from 1884 until it closed) produced typical Morley cloth, that is Union Cloth made of a blend of Mungo (low-grade wool from felted rags or waste) with some new wool with a cotton warp. It would typically be used for blazers, uniforms, overcoats and blankets. Highfield Mill became one of the most successful woollen mills in the Leeds area. Click on the photos to expand.
In this circa 1845 portion of the Gildersome Tithe Map, the numbers within the inclosed fields correspond to the list of Tithe Apportionments for the same year.
|
In the last half of the 18th century, the property upon which Highfield Mills would later occupy was owned by Abraham Sharp, woolstapler of Gildersome. For the sake of this article we shall call this property High Field Croft, even though the name Highfield doesn't appear to come into use until the 1860s. Adjacent to High Field Croft, during the same period, was the farm of William Stables and his family, let's call it High Field Farm. It contained at least 13 acres and by 1800 the confirmed presence of the Old Griffin Head Inn. The boundary between both properties, now called Hawthorne Close, hasn't changed in over 220 years.
Abraham Sharp was born in 1776 at Sharp's House, Gildersome. Today Sharp's House is found next to Grove View and is now called Gelderd House. The Sharp family had a long residence in Gildersome and produced some prominent West Yorkshire citizens. At some point in his career Abraham left Gildersome to reside in Stanley near Wakefield. Prior to moving, it's unknown whether he ever occupied High Field Croft or resided elsewhere in Gildersome. Abraham Sharp died in 1842.
Abraham Sharp was born in 1776 at Sharp's House, Gildersome. Today Sharp's House is found next to Grove View and is now called Gelderd House. The Sharp family had a long residence in Gildersome and produced some prominent West Yorkshire citizens. At some point in his career Abraham left Gildersome to reside in Stanley near Wakefield. Prior to moving, it's unknown whether he ever occupied High Field Croft or resided elsewhere in Gildersome. Abraham Sharp died in 1842.
In this circa 1910 photo, the building behind the cooling tower is the original building that Samuel Almond erected in 1861 but with an additional storey added by John Wilson sometime in the 1880s.
|
In 1801, Abraham Sharp sold High Field Croft to John (or Joseph) Wetherill of Morley. There are indications that Mr Wetherill let a portion of his property to Richard Lindsey who, at that time, operated the old flax mill adjacent to the Old Hall, just across Branch End. In 1827 or 1828 Wetherill passed on the property to his daughter Sarah who was married to John Clay. The couple resided near Hull, and though by 1850 they owned over 11 acres in Gildersome, they never lived there but only leased the property to one or many of the cloth manufacturers looking to set up shop in Gildersome. Though I have no proof, I believe it was the Clay family who sold High Field Croft to Samuel Almond circa 1860.
|
Mr. Almond was the unfortunate owner of Almond's Mill, once located near the intersection of today's College and Gelderd roads. In 1858, a year after the mill's opening, tragedy struck when the mill's boiler exploded and five persons were killed and six critically injured. The mill was reduced to ruin. In 1861 Almond then set about constructing a new mill at High Field Croft, which he called High Field Mills, it was the most "modern" woollen mill in Gildersome at the time. He no doubt chose the site because of its proximity to Gildersome's new railway station which had begun service a few years before. Its main building, was brick built, 36 yards by 16, three stories tall, well lit and packed with all the latest and best technology. Whether for the prospect of a future sale or for an insurance valuation, in September of 1862 Almond had his brand new mill appraised. The following is the summation of that appraisal:
|
Mr. Samuel Almond
|
Mill two stories and attic, 36 yds by 16. built of Brick. Engine house Boiler house adjoining and Rag Mill attached, chimney 32 yds high, Well sunk 25 yds & bored 20, Reservoir. Horizontal high pressure Engine 20 horse power, two boilers each 25 horse power, Pump with 4 inch working barrel to supply Engine from cistern of wrot (sic) iron, Shafting & quantity of vacant ground for building.....
Four cottages built of stone occupied by Jonas Procter, Saml Cawthorne, Hannah Auty & James Hudson... 153 sq yds.
Two brick built cottages and Kitchen occupied by Edward Marshall, Joseph Mordy, & S. Almond.... 88 sq yds.
Two single Houses & cottage occupied by James Carr, Greaves? Whitaker and Wm Cawthorne.... 107 sq yds.
Dwellinghouse occupied by Saml Almond and his son with garden etc attached.*
Stable, Gig House, & Old Stable.
Close of land, East Field containing 1 acre 3 roods 8 perches.
The overall valuation: £3,000
* Most of the names of the occupiers listed above can be found living at Highfield in the 1861 census.
After pouring his time and resources into the mill, in 1864 Samuel Almond and his partners went bankrupt. The mill and its contents were ordered to be sold at auction. Between the years 1865 and 1884, the ownership and occupants of Highfield Mills is a bit sketchy owing to scant evidence but it appears that the Mills had two owners; the first being James Lister Leathley and the latter Benjamin Kershaw, both became insolvent and were forced to sell. Kershaw began advertising the sale of the mill in 1879 and in 1881 the first notice of his bankruptcy appeared in the newspapers. It wasn't until 1884 that he was able to sell the property to John Wilson & Co. who, at the time, were operating out of Morley.
Right: Is a copy of an ad pertaining to the Mill's sale that appeared in an 1884 edition of the Leeds Mercury. Click on the ad to view an expanded version. |
John Wilson of Highfield Mill and the Wilson’s of Gildersome:
The association of the Wilson family with Gildersome began in 1884 with the purchase of Highfield Mill. John Wilson died in 1891 and his sons took over the business. About 1910 the business, John Wilson and Sons, purchased The Woodlands on Gelderd Road which became the home of John Wilson’s eldest son George Edward Wilson and his family and his youngest brother Norman Wilson until the mill closed in 1972.
Ancestry of John Wilson:
John’s grandparents John Wilson (b1791 in Leeds, d 1829) and Jane Smith (b1791 in Chichester) were married 0n 21 Feb 1813 at St.Peter’s Church Leeds (Leeds Parish Church). At the time of the marriage he is listed as a Cloth Dresser.
Left: John Wilson b. 1838, founder of John Wilson & Co.
Their son John Smith Wilson was born in 1814.
I am not sure when John Smith Wilson moved to the Morley area but think it may have been on his marriage to Hannah Foster at Batley Parish Church on 26th March 1837. Hannah was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Foster a large Morley family connected with the Morley Old Chapel.
John Smith Wilson and Jane had a son John Wilson who was born on 4th Aug 1838.
The association of the Wilson family with Gildersome began in 1884 with the purchase of Highfield Mill. John Wilson died in 1891 and his sons took over the business. About 1910 the business, John Wilson and Sons, purchased The Woodlands on Gelderd Road which became the home of John Wilson’s eldest son George Edward Wilson and his family and his youngest brother Norman Wilson until the mill closed in 1972.
Ancestry of John Wilson:
John’s grandparents John Wilson (b1791 in Leeds, d 1829) and Jane Smith (b1791 in Chichester) were married 0n 21 Feb 1813 at St.Peter’s Church Leeds (Leeds Parish Church). At the time of the marriage he is listed as a Cloth Dresser.
Left: John Wilson b. 1838, founder of John Wilson & Co.
Their son John Smith Wilson was born in 1814.
I am not sure when John Smith Wilson moved to the Morley area but think it may have been on his marriage to Hannah Foster at Batley Parish Church on 26th March 1837. Hannah was the daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth Foster a large Morley family connected with the Morley Old Chapel.
John Smith Wilson and Jane had a son John Wilson who was born on 4th Aug 1838.
Timeline for the Wilsons and Highfield Mills:
1841 Census:
John Smith Wilson, Hannah and John are living with Hannah’s mother Elizabeth Foster on Troy Hill near the Old Chapel.
Later in the 1840s John Smith Wilson & Hannah had two more children; Martha Ann b1842 and Samuel b1848, who would both have a future connected to Highfield Mill.
1849 Cholera Epidemic:
In 1849 there was a major outbreak of cholera in Morley and Troy Hill was one of the affected areas. William Smith gives a vivid description of the outbreak. John Smith Wilson contracted the disease and died on 30th August 1849. His mother in law Elizabeth Foster also caught it and died the following day.
1851 Census:
Hannah was left with John and two young children and is still living on Troy Hill with the family and a nephew and niece. John, now 12, is working as a piecer.
1861 Census:
The family are still living on Troy Hill. Hannah is working as a Milliner. John is now married and has two daughters. He is working as a Woollen Spinner. John had married Eliza Lobley Asquith on 25th December 1858 at the Ebenezer Chapel, Dewsbury. I believe the Ebenezer chapel was one of the first non-conformist chapels licensed to conduct weddings in the area. Eliza is a second cousin of Herbert Henry Asquith. Of the Morley Asquiths this is as close as it gets to Herbert Henry Asquith as his father had no siblings. On the marriage certificate John is listed as a Woollen Mule Spinner and his deceased father is shown as an Overlooker at a Woollen Mill.
Right: Taken from group shot of the Morley Borough Council c1890, John Wilson (left) strikes a nonchalant pose as he stands among his fellow Councillors.
1871 Census
John and Eliza are living with three daughters on Troy Hill next door to his mother Hannah. John is now a Woollen Manufacturer employing 17 hands. His mother Hannah lives with her younger son Samuel and his wife next door.
1872 Kelly’s Directory
John Wilson is operating out of Springfield Mill, Morley with several others including Charles Scarth.
1841 Census:
John Smith Wilson, Hannah and John are living with Hannah’s mother Elizabeth Foster on Troy Hill near the Old Chapel.
Later in the 1840s John Smith Wilson & Hannah had two more children; Martha Ann b1842 and Samuel b1848, who would both have a future connected to Highfield Mill.
1849 Cholera Epidemic:
In 1849 there was a major outbreak of cholera in Morley and Troy Hill was one of the affected areas. William Smith gives a vivid description of the outbreak. John Smith Wilson contracted the disease and died on 30th August 1849. His mother in law Elizabeth Foster also caught it and died the following day.
1851 Census:
Hannah was left with John and two young children and is still living on Troy Hill with the family and a nephew and niece. John, now 12, is working as a piecer.
1861 Census:
The family are still living on Troy Hill. Hannah is working as a Milliner. John is now married and has two daughters. He is working as a Woollen Spinner. John had married Eliza Lobley Asquith on 25th December 1858 at the Ebenezer Chapel, Dewsbury. I believe the Ebenezer chapel was one of the first non-conformist chapels licensed to conduct weddings in the area. Eliza is a second cousin of Herbert Henry Asquith. Of the Morley Asquiths this is as close as it gets to Herbert Henry Asquith as his father had no siblings. On the marriage certificate John is listed as a Woollen Mule Spinner and his deceased father is shown as an Overlooker at a Woollen Mill.
Right: Taken from group shot of the Morley Borough Council c1890, John Wilson (left) strikes a nonchalant pose as he stands among his fellow Councillors.
1871 Census
John and Eliza are living with three daughters on Troy Hill next door to his mother Hannah. John is now a Woollen Manufacturer employing 17 hands. His mother Hannah lives with her younger son Samuel and his wife next door.
1872 Kelly’s Directory
John Wilson is operating out of Springfield Mill, Morley with several others including Charles Scarth.
1881 Census
John and Eliza are living in New Brighton, Morley with 5 daughters and 3 sons. 3 other sons have died in infancy. He is shown as a Manufacturer employing 68 people.
1881 Kelly’s Directory
He is shown operating out of Victoria Mill. Charles Scarth who also lives in New Brighton is also operating out of Victoria Mill and I have heard that John Wilson and Charles Scarth had at one time been in business together there. Both men were heavily involved and were significant benefactors of St. Mary’s the new chapel built to replace the Old Chapel.
1884: Purchase of Highfield Mills.
John and Eliza are living in New Brighton, Morley with 5 daughters and 3 sons. 3 other sons have died in infancy. He is shown as a Manufacturer employing 68 people.
1881 Kelly’s Directory
He is shown operating out of Victoria Mill. Charles Scarth who also lives in New Brighton is also operating out of Victoria Mill and I have heard that John Wilson and Charles Scarth had at one time been in business together there. Both men were heavily involved and were significant benefactors of St. Mary’s the new chapel built to replace the Old Chapel.
1884: Purchase of Highfield Mills.
1886 Morley Borough Council First Election
John Wilson stands for the new council and tops the poll.
1888 Kelly’s Directory: John Wilson appears as owner of Highfield Mills , Gildersome.
1891 Census
John and Eliza are living at Mount Pleasant on Albert Road, Morley with six children. This was the house built by Joshua Asquith , a woollen merchant and uncle to HHA. The 8 surviving children in 1881 have been joined by another son, Norman. Three of his daughters have married. He is shown as a Woollen Manufacturer. His eldest son George Edward is shown as a bookkeeper.
1891 Russian Flu: There was an outbreak of flu in 1890 and 1891 and John Wilson succumbed to it and died on 15 May 1891. There was a large funeral and a full page obituary in the Morley Observer. Incidentally I have read in the last couple of weeks that they believe this epidemic was not actually flu but a COVID epidemic.
1891: After the death of John Wilson, Highfield Mills was now in the hands of John’s four sons aided by their uncle James Child, a bookkeeper, who had married John’s sister Martha Ann in 1869.
1892: Presentation of a marble and bronze clock and pair of equestrian figurines made by J. Dyson, jeweller to Mr George E. Wilson in honour of his 21st birthday.
In the early 1900s the company bought Melbourne and Adelaide Mills in Morley.
1894 07 Nov: Fire at Highfield Mills. The upper floor of a 3 storey, 20 yards by 10 yards was consumed and the roof above burnt away. The Leeds, Morley and Churwell fire brigades were summoned by telephone and were present on the scene. The damage was covered by insurance. No one was injured.
1895 08 Jan: Explosion in the finishing department when a press oven burst due to overcharging. The windows of the building were shattered but there were no injuries.
1895 10 July: The following is a quoted from an article in the Leeds Intelligencer:
"A shocking fatality occurred at Highfield Mills, Gildersome yesterday morning. The trustees of the late Mr J. Wilson, cloth manufacturer, had employed Mr. S. Sharp Holdsworth, builder and contractor, of Gildersome, to do certain work at the mill, which included the tarring of the condensing cistern, which is situate on a tower about 70 feet in height. Mr. Holdsworth's two sons, Arthur and Herbert, were being hoisted up in chairs to do this work, when the rope broke. They had got about three-parts of the way up the tower, and were thrown from that height to the bottom. Herbert fell on the concrete basement of the tower, and rebounded into a water tank. His brother fell on to a wooden platform, and also rebounded into the tank. Herbert died immediately on being taken out of the water. Arthur was still alive, but badly injured, his left arm being fractured, and his left wrist, elbow and higher part of the arm broken. He also received a severe scalp wound. His injuries were attend to by Drs. W.H. Holliday and J.B. Breveton, and he was subsequently conveyed to the Leeds Infirmary."
c1906: The staff at Highfield Mill
Left (from left to right)
Standing: John Booth (Mill Manager), Roland Stockwell (Office Boy), Arthur Edward Wilson, Alexander Wilson
Seated: George Edward Wilson and James Child
Roland Stockwell worked at Highfield all his working life. He was found drowned in the mill dam shortly before his retirement. It was decided that he was depressed at the prospect of retirement.
John Wilson stands for the new council and tops the poll.
1888 Kelly’s Directory: John Wilson appears as owner of Highfield Mills , Gildersome.
1891 Census
John and Eliza are living at Mount Pleasant on Albert Road, Morley with six children. This was the house built by Joshua Asquith , a woollen merchant and uncle to HHA. The 8 surviving children in 1881 have been joined by another son, Norman. Three of his daughters have married. He is shown as a Woollen Manufacturer. His eldest son George Edward is shown as a bookkeeper.
1891 Russian Flu: There was an outbreak of flu in 1890 and 1891 and John Wilson succumbed to it and died on 15 May 1891. There was a large funeral and a full page obituary in the Morley Observer. Incidentally I have read in the last couple of weeks that they believe this epidemic was not actually flu but a COVID epidemic.
1891: After the death of John Wilson, Highfield Mills was now in the hands of John’s four sons aided by their uncle James Child, a bookkeeper, who had married John’s sister Martha Ann in 1869.
1892: Presentation of a marble and bronze clock and pair of equestrian figurines made by J. Dyson, jeweller to Mr George E. Wilson in honour of his 21st birthday.
In the early 1900s the company bought Melbourne and Adelaide Mills in Morley.
1894 07 Nov: Fire at Highfield Mills. The upper floor of a 3 storey, 20 yards by 10 yards was consumed and the roof above burnt away. The Leeds, Morley and Churwell fire brigades were summoned by telephone and were present on the scene. The damage was covered by insurance. No one was injured.
1895 08 Jan: Explosion in the finishing department when a press oven burst due to overcharging. The windows of the building were shattered but there were no injuries.
1895 10 July: The following is a quoted from an article in the Leeds Intelligencer:
"A shocking fatality occurred at Highfield Mills, Gildersome yesterday morning. The trustees of the late Mr J. Wilson, cloth manufacturer, had employed Mr. S. Sharp Holdsworth, builder and contractor, of Gildersome, to do certain work at the mill, which included the tarring of the condensing cistern, which is situate on a tower about 70 feet in height. Mr. Holdsworth's two sons, Arthur and Herbert, were being hoisted up in chairs to do this work, when the rope broke. They had got about three-parts of the way up the tower, and were thrown from that height to the bottom. Herbert fell on the concrete basement of the tower, and rebounded into a water tank. His brother fell on to a wooden platform, and also rebounded into the tank. Herbert died immediately on being taken out of the water. Arthur was still alive, but badly injured, his left arm being fractured, and his left wrist, elbow and higher part of the arm broken. He also received a severe scalp wound. His injuries were attend to by Drs. W.H. Holliday and J.B. Breveton, and he was subsequently conveyed to the Leeds Infirmary."
c1906: The staff at Highfield Mill
Left (from left to right)
Standing: John Booth (Mill Manager), Roland Stockwell (Office Boy), Arthur Edward Wilson, Alexander Wilson
Seated: George Edward Wilson and James Child
Roland Stockwell worked at Highfield all his working life. He was found drowned in the mill dam shortly before his retirement. It was decided that he was depressed at the prospect of retirement.
Circa 1910: The Woodlands
The Woodlands, a large house on Gelderd Road had been built by George Webster a prominent mill owner. He owned the old flax mill near Gildersome's Old Hall as well as Millshaw in Morley, which later became a tannery. After George Webster’s death in 1888 The Woodlands became a Leeds City Council convalescent hospital for infectious cases. The council eventually offered it for sale by auction 1907. It was purchased by John Wilson & Sons of Highfield Mill, sometime between 1907 and 1910. The large vinery at the side of the house was demolished (though that may have happened earlier) and the house was extended by a new wing which matched the North side of the house; this made the facade symmetrical. The intention was to make the single dwelling into two. George Edward Wilson took over the original (North) end of the house with Rachel and their 6 children. The other half became the home of his mother Eliza and his brothers Arthur and Norman and Eliza’s granddaughter Dorrie Holliday. Eliza died in 1913 by which time Arthur had married and moved to Harrogate leaving Norman as the occupant with his niece Dorrie remaining as his housekeeper. Norman died in 1938 after which that part of the house was occupied for a time by George Edward Wilson’s son John Rhodes Wilson, who had moved from Gildersome Old Hall, with his wife Doris and their son Roland. After the war the North side of the house was split into two flats with George Edward and Rachel in one and John and family moving into the other. After the death of George Edward and Rachel (1949 and 1951) and the marriage of John’s son Roland in 1951, Roland and family lived in the second flat. Meanwhile the South side of the house was sold or let to a Mr & Mrs Cotton.
After the closure and sale of the mill in early 1970s , the Woodlands was sold to a hotelier, sold again and had a brief stint as a Care Home then was finally reconverted to a hotel again. It remains today as a fine hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. The first wedding reception held there was that of my parents Rachel Margaret Wilson to Thomas Ezra Marshall in 1930 following the ceremony at Gildersome Baptist Chapel.
Above: The Wedding of Margaret Wilson to Tommy Marshall at The Woodlands 1930
Back: Irene Wilson(AEW), George Edward Wilson, Marjorie Marshall. Arthur Wilson (GEW), (Rachel) Margaret Marshall ,
Tommy Marshall, Kathleen Wilson (AW), Thomas Arthur Marshall, Lucy Wilson (AW)
Front: Rachel Wilson, Roland Wilson, Maria Marshall
1910 12 Oct: The following is a quoted from an article in the Leeds Intelligencer:
"John Wilson, Gildersome (Limited), has been registered as a private company with a capital of £30,000 in £1 shares (12,000 preference), to take over the business of cloth manufacturers and merchants, etc., carried on at Gildersome, Leeds, and elsewhere as John Wilson. The first directors are Mr. G.E. Wilson, Mr. A.E. Wilson, A. Wilson, and Mr. N. Wilson."
1921 16 Apr: A fire, of unknown origin, broke out at the mill resulting in over £40,000 in damage, fortunately the mill was fully covered by insurance. "The portion of the mill which was involved was four storeys high. It was built in 1861, and was originally a three storey building, but another storey was added in 1885 by Mr. Wilson's father." The building and its contents were completely destroyed, including: "eight sets of scribbling machinery, seven mules, ten filling and three washing machines." Due to a slowdown, Highfield's workers had not been employed full time. To keep the employees working they were able to be transferred to Wilson's other mills in Morley.
1930s: It was noted in a trade journal that Highfield's main steam engine, engineered by Mr A Dean, was: "800hp twin tandem compound engine by Newton Bean and Mitchell, 1929. Two x 13'' HP, 26'Lp x 30" stroke, 160psi, 100rpm. Corliss valves. 14ft flywheel, 16 ropes. Vertical Edwards air pumps and condensers. Airpump driven from each crosshead. Chain driven governor, taken out in 1960." Compare that with the original engine of 20hp installed in 1861.
The Woodlands, a large house on Gelderd Road had been built by George Webster a prominent mill owner. He owned the old flax mill near Gildersome's Old Hall as well as Millshaw in Morley, which later became a tannery. After George Webster’s death in 1888 The Woodlands became a Leeds City Council convalescent hospital for infectious cases. The council eventually offered it for sale by auction 1907. It was purchased by John Wilson & Sons of Highfield Mill, sometime between 1907 and 1910. The large vinery at the side of the house was demolished (though that may have happened earlier) and the house was extended by a new wing which matched the North side of the house; this made the facade symmetrical. The intention was to make the single dwelling into two. George Edward Wilson took over the original (North) end of the house with Rachel and their 6 children. The other half became the home of his mother Eliza and his brothers Arthur and Norman and Eliza’s granddaughter Dorrie Holliday. Eliza died in 1913 by which time Arthur had married and moved to Harrogate leaving Norman as the occupant with his niece Dorrie remaining as his housekeeper. Norman died in 1938 after which that part of the house was occupied for a time by George Edward Wilson’s son John Rhodes Wilson, who had moved from Gildersome Old Hall, with his wife Doris and their son Roland. After the war the North side of the house was split into two flats with George Edward and Rachel in one and John and family moving into the other. After the death of George Edward and Rachel (1949 and 1951) and the marriage of John’s son Roland in 1951, Roland and family lived in the second flat. Meanwhile the South side of the house was sold or let to a Mr & Mrs Cotton.
After the closure and sale of the mill in early 1970s , the Woodlands was sold to a hotelier, sold again and had a brief stint as a Care Home then was finally reconverted to a hotel again. It remains today as a fine hotel, restaurant and wedding venue. The first wedding reception held there was that of my parents Rachel Margaret Wilson to Thomas Ezra Marshall in 1930 following the ceremony at Gildersome Baptist Chapel.
Above: The Wedding of Margaret Wilson to Tommy Marshall at The Woodlands 1930
Back: Irene Wilson(AEW), George Edward Wilson, Marjorie Marshall. Arthur Wilson (GEW), (Rachel) Margaret Marshall ,
Tommy Marshall, Kathleen Wilson (AW), Thomas Arthur Marshall, Lucy Wilson (AW)
Front: Rachel Wilson, Roland Wilson, Maria Marshall
1910 12 Oct: The following is a quoted from an article in the Leeds Intelligencer:
"John Wilson, Gildersome (Limited), has been registered as a private company with a capital of £30,000 in £1 shares (12,000 preference), to take over the business of cloth manufacturers and merchants, etc., carried on at Gildersome, Leeds, and elsewhere as John Wilson. The first directors are Mr. G.E. Wilson, Mr. A.E. Wilson, A. Wilson, and Mr. N. Wilson."
1921 16 Apr: A fire, of unknown origin, broke out at the mill resulting in over £40,000 in damage, fortunately the mill was fully covered by insurance. "The portion of the mill which was involved was four storeys high. It was built in 1861, and was originally a three storey building, but another storey was added in 1885 by Mr. Wilson's father." The building and its contents were completely destroyed, including: "eight sets of scribbling machinery, seven mules, ten filling and three washing machines." Due to a slowdown, Highfield's workers had not been employed full time. To keep the employees working they were able to be transferred to Wilson's other mills in Morley.
1930s: It was noted in a trade journal that Highfield's main steam engine, engineered by Mr A Dean, was: "800hp twin tandem compound engine by Newton Bean and Mitchell, 1929. Two x 13'' HP, 26'Lp x 30" stroke, 160psi, 100rpm. Corliss valves. 14ft flywheel, 16 ropes. Vertical Edwards air pumps and condensers. Airpump driven from each crosshead. Chain driven governor, taken out in 1960." Compare that with the original engine of 20hp installed in 1861.
1931 09 Jan: It was noted in a trade journal that the new power plant installed at Highfield Mill in 1931 was an: "800hp twin tandem compound engine by Newton Bean and Mitchell, 1929. Two x 13'' HP, 26'Lp x 30" stroke, 160psi, 100rpm. Corliss valves. 14ft flywheel, 16 ropes. Vertical Edwards air pumps and condensers. Airpump driven from each crosshead. Chain driven governor, taken out in 1960." Compare that with the original engine of 20hp installed in 1861.
A christening ceremony took place on the above date to commemorate its installation. Hundreds of 'workpeople' took part as well as the directors and their families. "The engine is of the four cylinder variety, and each of the four cylinders was christened by a daughter of each of the four directors. With the usual champagne ritual, the cylinders were then named 'Kathleen,' 'Lucy, 'Margaret,' and 'Irene'." (after each of the daughters)
A christening ceremony took place on the above date to commemorate its installation. Hundreds of 'workpeople' took part as well as the directors and their families. "The engine is of the four cylinder variety, and each of the four cylinders was christened by a daughter of each of the four directors. With the usual champagne ritual, the cylinders were then named 'Kathleen,' 'Lucy, 'Margaret,' and 'Irene'." (after each of the daughters)
1972 16 Feb: Highfield Shuts Down.....At an 'extraordinary' meeting of the directors of John Wilson (Gildersome) Ltd., J. R. Wilson, Chairman, a special resolution was passed: "That the Company would be wound up voluntarily, and that Harry Mariner of 148 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds is hereby appointed Liquidator of the Company for the purposes of such winding up."
The Sons of John Wilson:
John had four sons who reached maturity. All were involved in John Wilson & Sons
1. George Edward Wilson:
George was born on 5 July 1871. In 1895 he married Rachel Rhodes whose father was the bookeeper at Dean Hall Colliery in Morley. In the 1901 Census they are living in Hughenden View off Springfield Road in Morley with their son John Rhodes Wilson aged 5 . By 1908 they have moved to Poplar House, Gildersome where my mother Rachel Margaret Wilson was born that year.
Around 1910 the company, John Wilson & Sons, bought The Woodlands (see above) where he would live until his death in 1949. Apart from Margaret, George and Rachel had 5 sons.
George Edward Wilson was Chairman of the Gildersome District Council for many years. Right: George Edward Wilson
John had four sons who reached maturity. All were involved in John Wilson & Sons
1. George Edward Wilson:
George was born on 5 July 1871. In 1895 he married Rachel Rhodes whose father was the bookeeper at Dean Hall Colliery in Morley. In the 1901 Census they are living in Hughenden View off Springfield Road in Morley with their son John Rhodes Wilson aged 5 . By 1908 they have moved to Poplar House, Gildersome where my mother Rachel Margaret Wilson was born that year.
Around 1910 the company, John Wilson & Sons, bought The Woodlands (see above) where he would live until his death in 1949. Apart from Margaret, George and Rachel had 5 sons.
George Edward Wilson was Chairman of the Gildersome District Council for many years. Right: George Edward Wilson
John Rhodes Wilson:
George Edward Wilson’s eldest son Lieutenant John Rhodes Wilson was reported Killed in Action on April 13th 1918. A telegram from the War Office was received by his parents on 24th April. Press obituaries and a telegram from Buckingham Palace followed. It turned out that he had been shot and wounded and had been taken via a German Field Hospital to a Hospital in Lille. On arrival at the hospital he was able to send a standard postcard home saying that he was wounded and a POW but this was not posted until 10 May. After the war he joined his father at Highfield Mill, married and with his wife Doris lived in Gildersome firstly at Old Hall and later at The Woodlands until it was sold in the early 1970s when he moved to Churwell. John was an excellent musician. John’s son Roland became the last member of the family and only great grandson of the founder to work at the mill until its closure in 1972. Arthur Asquith Wilson: George’s third son also went into the mill (see below) but managed Melbourne and Adelaide Mills in Morley. He was a member of Morley Borough Council from 1947-1953. He was a regular performer for the Old Morleians Amateur Dramatic Society. He lived on Asquith Avenue, Morley. Henry Alexander Wilson: George’s youngest son qualified as a doctor and was a popular GP in Gildersome for over twenty five years after Doctor Holliday retired. He, with his wife Joyce, took over the house and surgery at Belmont. on Finkle Lane where they lived until his retirement in 1972. |
2. Arthur Ernest Wilson:
Arthur was born in 1874. In 1896 he married Catherine Hopkins, who died in 1906. In 1901 they were living in Grove View, Gildersome. After Catherine’s death in 1911 Arthur is living with his mother, Norman his youngest brother and sister at The Woodlands. In 1911 he was married again to Sarah Greenwood after which they moved to Harrogate. They had three children. The eldest son Raymond went into the mill as did his younger son Arthur (known as Bill). Both lived in the Harrogate area.
Right: Arthur Ernest and Alexander at the base of the steps. Alec Wilson was a big dog lover and was often accompanied by his dog. The fellow's name, who is leaning on the bale is not known. Click to expand.
3. Alexander Wilson:
Alexander or Alec Wilson was born in 1876. He married Verna Whiteley in 1906 at St. Andrew’s Bruntcliffe where her stepfather Rev A.T. Bagott was the Vicar. Verna’s brother E. Gordon Whiteley manufactured Tentering Machines at Beech Works in Morley. Alexander and Verna bought Oak Dene opposite St. Andrews Church, Bruntcliffe. He was a member of Morley Council from 1921-1945 and was Mayor from 1938-1940. They had five children. He was Senior Director after the death of George.
Arthur was born in 1874. In 1896 he married Catherine Hopkins, who died in 1906. In 1901 they were living in Grove View, Gildersome. After Catherine’s death in 1911 Arthur is living with his mother, Norman his youngest brother and sister at The Woodlands. In 1911 he was married again to Sarah Greenwood after which they moved to Harrogate. They had three children. The eldest son Raymond went into the mill as did his younger son Arthur (known as Bill). Both lived in the Harrogate area.
Right: Arthur Ernest and Alexander at the base of the steps. Alec Wilson was a big dog lover and was often accompanied by his dog. The fellow's name, who is leaning on the bale is not known. Click to expand.
3. Alexander Wilson:
Alexander or Alec Wilson was born in 1876. He married Verna Whiteley in 1906 at St. Andrew’s Bruntcliffe where her stepfather Rev A.T. Bagott was the Vicar. Verna’s brother E. Gordon Whiteley manufactured Tentering Machines at Beech Works in Morley. Alexander and Verna bought Oak Dene opposite St. Andrews Church, Bruntcliffe. He was a member of Morley Council from 1921-1945 and was Mayor from 1938-1940. They had five children. He was Senior Director after the death of George.
Leslie George Wilson:
Alec’s eldest son went into the mill eventually becoming the final Senior Director. A second son George Alexander also went into the mill. Both Leslie and his brother George were successful rugby players for Morley Rugby Union Club bringing home the Yorkshire Cup in the 1930s. Leslie became Chairman of the Yorkshire Rugby Union. He was also Chairman of the Wool Textiles Employers Council and was involved in several textile related bodies. George Alexander Wilson: Alec’s second son, also worked at Highfield Mills. He captained Morley Rugby Union Club to the Yorkshire Cup in 1938 and was a member of Morley Council from 1947-1956. |
4. Norman Wilson:
Norman was born in 1881. He never married. In 1901 he is living with his mother Eliza in Victoria Road and in 1911 with her in the newly built extension to The Woodlands. After the death of his mother Norman continued to live at the Woodlands until his death in 1938. In the early 1900s John Wilson & Sons had bought Melbourne and Adelaide Mills in Morley which Norman managed
Norman was born in 1881. He never married. In 1901 he is living with his mother Eliza in Victoria Road and in 1911 with her in the newly built extension to The Woodlands. After the death of his mother Norman continued to live at the Woodlands until his death in 1938. In the early 1900s John Wilson & Sons had bought Melbourne and Adelaide Mills in Morley which Norman managed
Other members of the Wilson family with Gildersome Connections:
Martha Ann Wilson and James Child
John Wilson’s sister had married James Child. They lived for a time in Wakefield but by 1881 he was a bookkeeper working with John. After John’s death in 1891 James Child, who was John's Bookkeeper, played a major part in running the mill with his nephews who were then aged 20, 16, 14 and 10. James Child died in 1919.
Samuel Wilson
John’s (b1838) younger brother was born in 1848. He became a woollen spinner and moved to Gildersome working at Highfield Mill. He married three times and had 6 sons several of whom worked in the mill. Samuel died in 1926. One son Harry Smith Wilson became a foreman woollen spinner in the mill and was a Councillor for Gildersome on Morley Town Council between 1946 and 1956. Another son Arthur Oliver became a Teacher. advertisement
Martha Ann Wilson and James Child
John Wilson’s sister had married James Child. They lived for a time in Wakefield but by 1881 he was a bookkeeper working with John. After John’s death in 1891 James Child, who was John's Bookkeeper, played a major part in running the mill with his nephews who were then aged 20, 16, 14 and 10. James Child died in 1919.
Samuel Wilson
John’s (b1838) younger brother was born in 1848. He became a woollen spinner and moved to Gildersome working at Highfield Mill. He married three times and had 6 sons several of whom worked in the mill. Samuel died in 1926. One son Harry Smith Wilson became a foreman woollen spinner in the mill and was a Councillor for Gildersome on Morley Town Council between 1946 and 1956. Another son Arthur Oliver became a Teacher. advertisement
Below is a Gallery of Highfield Mills' Photos. Choose a photo and scroll through.
The No Name Players (L to R):
Behind: Norman Firth John Wilson
Middle Row: Tommy Marshall Tom Barron Donald Dixon
Front Row: Leslie G Wilson Celia Tempest George A Wilson Arthur A Wilson Leslie Tempest
Behind: Norman Firth John Wilson
Middle Row: Tommy Marshall Tom Barron Donald Dixon
Front Row: Leslie G Wilson Celia Tempest George A Wilson Arthur A Wilson Leslie Tempest
Notes and Sources: