The tithe map of circa 1850 shows lot number 803 as owned by Jos. Booth and, at that time, occupied by Sam Pearson. The plot is named Middle Royd, and also, rather strangely, a second name Inman Royd. Three adjacent plots, not owned by Jos. Booth, are all named Royd. Middle Royd is a distinctive, roughly triangular shape, easily recognisable on subsequent maps.

In the latter decades of the 19th century, Middle Royd was sold and a mill built upon part of it which was originally and appropriately named Royds mill. A large dam was also constructed within the boundaries of Middle Royd. Quite early on the mill became known as Woodroyd, and even before the end of the 19th century it had acquired the name of Acre mill.

It is probable that from the start the mill housed a number of smaller businesses. This was a frequent feature and applied at both Prospect mill, Holroyd Hill and Perseverance mill, Beacon Road built in 1865 and 1873 respectively. The earliest trade directory to include Woodroyd/Acre mill shows that in 1893 in addition to textile firms, there were a dyeworks and a paper manufacturer.

A newspaper notice advised the public that on 'Monday next, March 30th' the valuable, freehold manufacturing premises at Acre mills are to be sold by auction at the Talbot Hotel, Bradford. A full description is given of the `first class, modern' premises together with details of the engine power and other necessary equipment and fixtures.

Two firms, Messrs Thornton Barraclough & Co. and Messrs Birbeck & Co. are in occupation of the premises. The newspaper cutting gives no details of which newspaper it comes from nor the year but, from the day and date available, I was able to calculate the year in which it might have been, and was subsequently able to find the advertisement in the Bradford Observer 1896.
In 1896 two brothers, Ward and Henry Holroyd, established their textile business in Acre Mill, although by 1911 they had built Holroyd mill, Carbottom Road, Bankfoot and continued their business there.

...To be continued

Stella H Carpenter

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