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Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

Explore the world’s last steam-powered weaving mill and step back into Lancashire’s rich cotton industry heritage at Queen Street Mill Textile Museum.

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Queen Street Mill Textile Museum in Harle Syke, Burnley, Lancashire, is the world’s last surviving 19th-century steam-powered weaving mill. Built in 1894-95, this Grade I listed heritage site offers visitors a vivid glimpse into Lancashire’s cotton industry with original Lancashire looms, a towering 120-foot chimney, and the mighty steam engine ‘Peace’. The museum operates seasonally, showcasing authentic textile production machinery and the industrial landscape of the Victorian era.

A brief summary to Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

  • Queen Street Mill, Burnley, Harle Syke, Briercliffe, BB10 2HX, GB
  • +441282459996
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
  • Budget
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Wednesday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Thursday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Friday 12 pm-4 pm
  • Saturday 12 pm-4 pm

Local tips

  • Plan to spend at least 1.5 hours to fully explore the museum, including guided tours and demonstrations.
  • Visit between March and November when the museum is open Wednesday to Saturday from 12pm to 4pm.
  • Check the museum’s website or social media for special steam days when the engine 'Peace' is operated.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the museum floors are flagged and uneven in places.
  • Take advantage of the nearby café and shop to enhance your visit with local refreshments and souvenirs.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the number 5 bus from Burnley Bus Station to Harle Syke, a journey of approximately 20-30 minutes. The bus runs regularly, making this a convenient and affordable option with fares typically under £5.

  • Car

    Drive from Burnley town centre, about 3 miles away, via the M65 motorway junction 12. Parking is available on-site. The drive takes around 10-15 minutes, but traffic can vary during peak hours. There is no parking fee.

  • Walking

    For active visitors, walking from Harle Syke village centre to the mill takes about 15-20 minutes over flat but uneven flagged surfaces. Suitable for most visitors but may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
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  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Queen Street Mill Textile Museum

A Living Testament to Lancashire’s Cotton Heritage

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum stands as a unique monument to the industrial revolution and Lancashire’s pivotal role in the cotton industry. Constructed between 1894 and 1895 by the Queen Street Manufacturing Company, the mill was designed as a single-storey weaving shed with an adjoining three-storey front block housing offices, warehouses, and the engine and boiler rooms. The mill originally operated 900 Lancashire looms, producing unbleached calico cloth known as grey cloth. Its imposing 120-foot brick chimney remains a defining feature of the Burnley skyline, symbolizing the industrial might of the era.

Steam Power and Machinery: The Heart of the Mill

At the core of the mill’s operation is the steam engine named ‘Peace’, a tandem engine built by Roberts of Nelson. This engine powered over a thousand looms via an extensive system of shafts stretching 2,250 feet. The mill’s steam was generated by two Lancashire boilers, fed by water from a mill pond replenished naturally by rain and springs. While only one boiler remains in use today, the site still preserves the original machinery, allowing visitors to witness the authentic workings of a steam-powered mill. The mill’s machinery and operation earned it an Engineering Heritage Award in 2010.

From Industrial Powerhouse to Museum Treasure

Queen Street Mill ceased production in 1982 due to economic pressures but was saved from demolition by Burnley Borough Council in 1983. It reopened as a working museum in 1986 and later came under Lancashire County Council’s Museums Service. The museum preserves the mill’s original looms and machinery, offering demonstrations that bring textile manufacturing processes to life. The weaving shed, once housing nearly a thousand looms, now contains about 300 operational looms, maintaining the mill’s legacy as a living heritage site.

Architectural and Cultural Significance

The mill is a Grade I listed building, reflecting its exceptional historical and architectural importance. Its design includes north-facing roof windows that provided natural light for workers and a large water lodge that supported steam generation. The mill’s industrial landscape, with its brick chimney and surrounding terraces, paints a vivid picture of the Victorian industrial community. The site has also served as a filming location for notable productions such as The King’s Speech and a 2019 adaptation of A Christmas Carol, underscoring its cultural resonance.

Visitor Experience and Educational Value

Visitors to Queen Street Mill can explore the weaving shed, engine house, and boiler rooms, guided by knowledgeable staff who explain the intricate processes of cotton weaving and the social history of mill workers. The museum offers a nostalgic journey into the late Victorian era’s industrial life, with opportunities to see demonstrations of pirn winding, drawing in, and loom operation. The site includes a shop and café, encouraging visitors to spend at least 1.5 hours immersed in this unique heritage environment.

Preserving Industrial Legacy for Future Generations

Queen Street Mill Textile Museum not only preserves machinery and buildings but also the stories of the workers and communities shaped by the cotton industry. As the world’s last operational steam-powered weaving mill, it holds an irreplaceable place in industrial history. Its continued conservation and public engagement ensure that this remarkable chapter of Lancashire’s and Britain’s industrial past remains accessible and inspiring.

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