GeoGraph - photograph every grid square

Founded in 1786 by Sir Richard Arkwright, the Stanley Mill is the best preserved cotton mill in the country. Despite fire, the Napoleonic Wars and cotton famine, production continued here until 1989.

Three mills with brick arched vaults supported on cast iron columns and beams were built in the 1820s and were powered by seven massive waterwheels.

In 1995 the mills were saved from demolition and taken into the care of Historic Scotland. Working in partnership with the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Phoenix Trust, Historic Scotland plan to fully regenerate the site. Once again the mills reflect the changing needs of society with Mid Mill and East Mill being developed for private housing by the Phoenix Trust. However, Stanley Mills still retains much of the 18th century character, including the lades and the wheel pits of the original water powered mills. Bell Mill is to be open to the public and will aid promotion of Scotland's industrial past