Geograph - photograph every grid square

Until recently, the site represented an excellent example of an integrated cotton mill, covering the preparation, spinning and weaving processes.
The weaving mill was built for Crewdson, Crosses and Co. Ltd, probably in 1883, the firm merging in 1887 with Horrockses to form Horrockses, Crewdson and Co. Ltd. The spinning mill was a relatively late development, being built in 1915. It is a fine example of the genre, with a variety of decorative features.
The site was Listed Grade II in 1996 as an example of an integrated cotton mill surviving largely intact. Unfortunately, the weaving sheds were demolished around 2008/9, fundamentally changing the historic importance of the site. The spinning mill remains in industrial occupation.

Listed buildings and structures are officially designated as being of special architectural, historical or cultural significance. There are over half a million listed structures in the United Kingdom, covered by around 375,000 listings.
Listed status is more commonly associated with buildings or groups of buildings, however it can cover many other structures, including bridges, headstones, steps, ponds, monuments, walls, phone boxes, wrecks, parks, and heritage sites, and in more recent times a road crossing (Abbey Road) and graffiti art (Banksy 'Spy-booth') have been included.

In England and Wales there are three main listing designations;
Grade I (2.5%) - exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important.
Grade II* (5.5%) - particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
Grade II (92%) - nationally important and of special interest.

There are also locally listed structures (at the discretion of local authorities) using A, B and C designations.

In Scotland three classifications are also used but the criteria are different. There are around 47,500 Listed buildings.
Category A (8%)- generally equivalent to Grade I and II* in England and Wales
Category B (51%)- this appears generally to cover the ground of Grade II, recognising national importance.
Category C (41%)- buildings of local importance, probably with some overlap with English Grade II.

In Northern Ireland the criteria are similar to Scotland, but the classifications are:
Grade A (2.3%)
Grade B+ (4.7%)
Grade B (93%)

Read more at Wikipedia Link