James Walker and Sons
of Mirfield
Established about 1810 by James Walker. He worked on two handlooms in a weaver's cottage.
Walker's descendants expanded the business during the 19th century, acquiring and building several mills in Yorkshire.
1914 Manufacturers of Blankets, &c., Holme Bank Mills, and Butt End Mills, Mirfield.
1931-3 Walker's built a new mill in Witney on an undeveloped site known locally as 'The Crofts' (so it became known as Crofts Mill). This brought new employment to the town at a time when the effects of the Great Depression were being felt - there was unemployment and short time working at other mills in the town.
By the early 1970s Walker's Witney factory was still employing c120 people
By 1980 shrinking markets led to Walker's closing the Witney factory.
The firm is still trading, based at Holme Bank Mills. Part of their current business is making airline and hospital blankets; they have been supplying the National Health Service for over 50 years.
See Also
Sources of Information
- [1] Witney Blankets