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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Anchor Mills
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The domestic finishing mill stands in a prominent and picturesque location in the centre of Paisley and is a proud reminder of the town's industrial heritage. It was part of a larger complex known collectively as the 'Anchor Mills'. The mill was built in 1886, and is of red brick with a sandstone balustrade. It occupies an area of 36,000 square feet.
Internally, the mill has a central well topped with an unusual glass lantern light. This allowed light in, and also provided space for the drive belts from the engine on the ground floor to reach the machines on the upper floors. The mill was one of the earliest buildings in Paisley to have electric light.
The mill was built for John Clark, of the Clark family of Paisley. The Clark family were successful thread manufacturers who, together with the Coats family, played a key role in achieving Paisley's status as a world leader in the manufacture of thread. The Clark company logo was an anchor.
The Anchor Mills complex employed many hundreds of local people. When the finishing mill was built the complex filled 9 acres. By 1914 it covered 28 acres and by 1952 it had spread to 51 acres. Work in the domestic finishing mill finished in the 1980s, and the mill lay empty and neglected for twenty years until a regeneration project saved this landmark building. It now contains businesses and private apartments.
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The Anchor recreation club opened in 1923, and on opening day the mill girls ran in three-legged races and sack races on the new playing fields. The events of opening day were filmed, and the mill girls clapped and cheered at themselves on screen when the film was shown at the Palace Cinema in Paisley High Street! The Anchor recreation club still functions as a centre for sport and recreation.
The Mile End mill, the embroidery mill (first built in 1840 as a shawl warehouse) and the east gatehouse have been refurbished and now house a variety of businesses.
The Seedhill gatehouse stands close to the domestic finishing mill and is currently undergoing refurbishment. The remainder of the site has been redeveloped with new housing and a large supermarket.
Find out more
For more information on these or other historic buildings in Renfrewshire, contact the Local Studies Library by:
- email: locstuds.els@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- phone: 0141 889 2360
- fax: 0141 887 6468
- write to:
Reference and Local Studies Library
Central Library
68 High Street
Paisley
PA1 2BB
