Lister and Co of Manningham Mills, Bradford.
See also: Lister and Co (Knitting Wools).
1815 Samuel Cunliffe Lister born in Calverley Old Hall, Bradford.
1800s Samuel Lister played a key role in the development of Bradford's wool industry during the industrial revolution. The textile industry transformed Bradford from a small rural town into a rich and famous city.
1838 Samuel and John Lister, his elder brother, started as worsted spinners and manufacturers in a new mill which their father built for them at Manningham, Bradford. Lister's Mill (also known as Manningham Mills), and its owner, were particularly well known in the district. In 1838 the mill was opened and business began under the name J. and S. C. Lister.[1]
1840 Samuel's older brother William Lister died. John Lister became his father's heir and at the same time retired from the business leaving Samuel to carry on on his own account. [2]
1844 Samuel Lister granted over a hundred patents connected with preparation and weaving of cloth.
1851 Lister invented the "Lister Nip Comb" which separated and straightened raw wool, something that has to be done before it can be spun into yarn, and in the nineteenth century it was a hot, dirty and tiring job. By inventing the "Nip Comb", Lister revolutionised the industry.
The warehouses were built from 1853 in Vicar Lane, Well Street and Peckover Street were dubbed 'Little Germany' due to their flamboyant architectural design.
c1855 Lister began work to find a way of utilising the fibre contained in silk waste. The task occupied his time for many years, but at last he succeeded in perfecting silk-combing appliances which enabled him to make good quality yarn at a low cost. Another important invention in connection with silk manufacture was his velvet loom for piled fabrics which made him very rich.
1871 The mills at Manningham were destroyed by fire.
1873 On its completion, the new mill, Listers Mill, was the largest textile mill in North England.
1876 The company produced silk worsted, mohair, chiffon and other textiles and employed over 11,000 people in its mill and colliery.
1889 Incorporated as a limited company
1891 Samuel Lister was made a peer as Lord Masham.
1906 Samuel Lister died.
During WW2 Listers produced 1,330 miles (2,140 km) of real parachute silk, 284 miles (457 km) of flame-proof wool, 50 miles (80 km) of khaki battledress and 4,430 miles (7,130 km) of parachute cord.
2000 Manningham Mills were purchased by property developers whose vision was to renovate the existing larger buildings and build striking new structures. Apartments, workplaces, shops and public spaces would once more bring Listers to life.