Cotton Mills of Preston

Book excerpt: The author's unique record of the mills of Preston will enthral those who worked in the mills and is a rich source of information for anyone interested in cotton mills and steam power. This invaluable book is the product of the author's passionate interest in the mills which forested Preston's skyline until the latter half of the last century. Colin Dickinson has always been fascinated by the mills, and more specifically the engines which powered them. Without these astonishing machines, mass production of cotton would not have been possible. Many years of meticulous research, supported by visits to mills and interviews with mill workers, has resulted in a book which no-one else could have written in this way. Mill after mill was demolished when King Cotton died, but the author had the foresight to photograph large numbers of them before they disappeared from view. His images stand as a permanent record of an industry and way of life that survive only in the memories of the thousands of Preston folk who worked in the mills. Decade by decade this book charts the role of steam power in the great mills of Preston during the century-and-a-half of their operation.In chronological order it lists every cotton factory to appear on the scene, presenting building dates, site layouts, constructional details, spindleage, loomage, ownerships and final closure dates. Cotton Mills of Preston: The Power Behind the Thread' will enthral those who worked in the mills and is a rich source of information for anyone interested in cotton mills and steam power.