Derwent Mills built by the Harris family made linen from flax founded 1834 closed 1934

Derwent Mills was founded in 1834 by Messrs Jonathan Harris and Sons, who were Quakers. They moved from Low Gote Mill sited on the bend of the Derwent where the mill had been powered by water flowing in a channel that commenced opposite Cockermouth Castle – the mechanism to start the flow of that water down Gote Mill race can still be seen in 2025 with two explanatory notice boards erected by Cockermouth Civic Trust (see photos) That same mill race powered High Gote Mill which is now Lawsons Haulage.

The Harris family while at Low Gote Mill, had used a building, locally called The Hospice, on the left of Gote Road for drying linen that was made at Low Gote Mill and photos show the extraordinary number of open window spaces that provided the ventilation required to dry linen after its manufacture; it is now a private dwelling.  After 1834 when the Harris family produced linen at Derwent Mills, a photo shows linen being dried by laying it on the grass near Derwent Mills.

The mill developed steadily & at its height employed 800 people. One of the main reasons for the success of the Harris family during the 19th century was due to their investment and commitment to new ideas. Steam engines were installed into the mill in 1835 and1849.

A photo on britainfromabove.org.uk dated 1929 shows a building straddling the mill race, the purpose of which is currently unknown, but although at first glance it seems to be a building for a waterwheel, it may be more likely to be a way of getting water for the steam power of the boilers and chimney, though more information is requested.

In the 1929 photo the triangle of shades on the left edge was a field where sheets of wet flax from the mill were placed to dry slowly – see other photos.  This area is now Wakefield Road car park. The area to the right of the photo later had more single storey buildings added.

A 1912 advertisement features flax & linen cloths and embroidery threads. The firm produced threads in 200 colours and sold lace-making equipment – bobbins, patterns, pillows, etc. Harris Mill linen was used to make early aeroplane wings. (source S Campbell) However, the Harris linen making business closed following the Depression in 1934.

In 1895 Harris Park was created as a result of a donation of £2,000 from Mrs Joseph Harris who was the wife of the founder of Harris Mill (later called Millers). The donation allowed 13 acres of land to be purchased above Rubbybanks that was developed into Harris Park.

Harris Park opened 1895 with a canon from the Crimea war at the entrance to the park. The canon was removed and melted to make more modern munitions in WW2.

Early in the 2nd world war, Millers evacuated their shoe manufacturing from Great Yarmouth to the mill, bringing 200 workers with them. This became a permanent move and the Derwent Mills site became known as Millers. At one time Millers Ltd employed 1100 people and made 40,000 pairs of shoes weekly. There were also branches in Workington, Frizington & Egremont. This company also fell into decline and closed around 1990.

In November 1992 Fred Dibnah was contracted to demolish the chimney originally built for Harris Mill, known locally as Millers (Ltd). He weakened the structure and prepared to demolish it by fire the next day. An arsonist attempted to light the fire overnight but failed so Fred was able to complete the task as planned.

The water tank on the protruding tower of the building was removed and the upper roof glazed area removed and the factory as made into flats. The adjacent building had a protrusion removed and was extended (see photos) and now houses multiple businesses.

References:

https://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/en/image/EPW029255

The Derwent Mills (Linen Thread Factory), Cockermouth, 1929

Linen for aeroplane wings(source S Campbell)

Fire before demolition (source P Campbell)

Additions Peter Nicholson