Carruthers Street Mill, Manchester
in Ancoats, Manchester
Shown on Bancks's 1831 map of Manchester as a small mill, located where Carruthers Street crossed the Ashton Canal, on the S.E. bank of the canal. Across the street was Rhodes Mill. 'Looming' over Carruthers Mill was the much larger Clark's Mill.
1830 Advertisement: 'FACTORY be Let, and MACHINERY be Sold
TO BE SOLD BY PRIVATE CONTRACT, all the MACHINERY late at work in the mill or factory situate in Alum-street, Ancoats-lane, Manchester, known by the name of "Carruther's Mill:" Thirty-eight mules of 300 spindles each ; forty-four carding engines, 18 inches on the wire, with preparations ; four stretchers, two of 160 spindles each, and the others 150 spindles each ; together with the grinding machines, cans, batting frames, straps, &c, now upon the premises.—This machinery is the most approved description ; part of it is nearly new, the remainder has but been at work a few years, and has very recently been put into complete repair.
The MILL or FACTORY, which is fire-proof, and most substantially built (together wth the steam engine of 14 horses' power, gasometer and gas apparatus), may be had on lease by the purchaser for a term ; or the advertiser would have no objection to let the mill and machinery together to a respectable tenant, on liberal terms.
So eligible an opportunity the present seldom occurs to any one wishing to extend or commence the spinning business —For further particulars, and for permission to see the machinery and premises, apply to Mr. Kershaw, Solicitor, Fountain-street, Manchester.' [1]
The 1849 O.S. map shows a larger building, but still much smaller than its neighbour (George Clarke's Mill, which is named as Hope Mill).
1851 Adshead's 1851 Maps of Manchester identifies the mill as 'The Executors of Wm. Carruthers Cotton Mill'.
1854 Sale notice: 'ALL that Substantial and Well-built COTTON MILL, situate in Carruthers street, Ancoats, Manchester, called Carruthers Mill," with the warehouses, counting-house, engine-house, boiler-house, lodge, dwelling-house, and outbuildings thereto belonging; also, the steam-engine, boilers, millwright work, geering, and machinery for preparing and spinning cotton therein—all now occupied by Messrs. Carruthers Co. The site is freehold of inheritance, contains 2,682 2-9ths square yards, and is subject to the yearly chief rent of £78 4s. 8d. The property is most eligibly situate, is in a complete state of repair, and in excellent working order. The mill has been recently extended, and supplied with new machinery and altogether the present presents a most favourable opportunity for any parties carrying on the business of fine cotton spinning. The machinery will be sold with the mill, or separately, as may he agreed upon.—For further particulars ….'[2]