William Appleton (Paper Maker)
of Manchester
This entry currently relates to William Appleton Senior and Junior.
1770 'THE FIRST LANCASHIRE PAPER MILL.
(Query No. 197, October 12.) [231]
Not having seen any answer on this matter, I venture to forward a copy of an advertisement from the Manchester Mercury for February, 1770, in reference to the paper mill at Throstle Nest, which appears to have been one of the earliest paper mills, if not the first, in Lancashire. I cannot give the date when the mill was founded, nor do I know by whom it was founded. I can very well remember seeing in my schooldays the old brick paper mill at Throstle Nest, close to Trafford Park entrance. The advertisement referred to is as follows;- To be sold, al that newly-erected paper mill, constructed on the most improved method for making of writing and printing paper, over which is a drying loft, containing 107ft. long and 25ft. broad, with tribles and lines suitable; also the engines, two vats, two stuff chests, and presses of the best kind, and all the implements and other necessary utensils for carrying on the works; and also all that newly-erected messuage or dwelling house and stables, with the appurtenances near to the said mill, and an acre and a half of land, situate in Stretford, near the Duke of Bridgewater's Canal and on the banks of the navigable lrwell. All which premises were late the property and in the tenure of Mr. William Appleton, paper maker, deceased, and are sold by virtue of three several leases, one from Humphrey Trafford, Esq., for 99 years, determinable upon the death of three lives therein named, under the yearly rent of £15, and the other two from the committee of the Mersey and Irwell Navigation for the residue of two several terms of 40 years absolute, commencing from the 25th of March, 1765, and from the determination thereof for the further term of 59 years, if the said river should continue a navigable river, under the several yearly rents of £30 and £1 10s. For further particulars enquire of Mr. James Appleton at the premises.
FREDERICK LAWRENCE TAVARE. 1 Rusholme Grove, Wilmslow Road, Rusholme.'[1]
1837 Death of William Appleton [presumably William Junior] of Smedley, aged 63[2]