The history of this building initially seems rather sparse online, outside of the scraps of information from previous reports and stories about recent arson attempts. From the stonework above the main door it’s clear that Laisteridge Mill was built in 1881. General consensus is that it was in long term use by Stephenson Brothers, who originally manufactured soap based agents for the processing of wool and were also responsible for making dyes and colourings which would have been in demand by the neighbouring textile mills across Bradford and the rest of the north. When it was last in use is uncertain, although some of the paperwork inside (not pictured here because my photos of it were crap) dates back to the late 1990s.
Digging a bit deeper, I find that in 1917 the company were ‘oil merchants and potash soft soap manufacturers’, whose ‘chief offices’ at Listerhills road (our Mill here, in fact) are proudly pictured at the top of their promotional material.
A later advert from 1935 reveals the company also made furniture polish, although it’s not certain whether this took place here or on other premises.
Grace’s guide also provide the following company bio:
STEPHENSON BROTHERS, Ltd.; Oil Importers, Soft Soap Makers, and General Drysalters, Listerhills Road, Godwin Street, and Chesham Street, Bradford. Hours of Business: 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Established in 1844 by Thomas Stephenson. Later joined in partnership by his three brothers, trading as Stephenson Brothers. In 1874 George Speight (nephew) was admitted as partner. Thomas Stephenson retired in 1879, when the business was continued by George Balme Stephenson and George Speight. Incorporated as a Limited Company in 1900. Directors: George Balme Stephenson (Chairman), George Speight. Premises: Consist of three separate Warehouses, with a floor space of 11,000 sq. yds. Staff: About. 150. Specialities: Olive Oil and Lubricating Oils, Chemicals; Manufacturers of Furniture Cream, Floor Polish, Soft Soap, and other Household Commodities. Patentees of Wax Rods for Weaving Tender Warps, &c. Connection: United Kingdom (chiefly), Foreign, Colonial. Telephone: (Private Branch Exchange) No. 3760 Bradford (fiva lines). Telegraphic Address: " Falcon, Bradford." Bankers: London City and Midland Bank, Ltd. (Kirkgate, Bradford).
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1914_Who's_Who_in_Business:_Company_S
The building has been subject to a recent arson attempt: A report on a recent fire: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15326016.UPDATE__Mill_blaze_being_investigated_as_arson/
The Visit
This was not my first choice of destination. It was, in fact, fifth on my list of five, on a morning that began with multiple failed visits firstly in Oldham and then in Rochdale. As a result I headed to Bradford in the hope of having more success there. Although not the most exciting of explores it was marginally more enjoyable than the earlier experience of arriving to find everywhere else newly sealed and inaccessible.
Digging a bit deeper, I find that in 1917 the company were ‘oil merchants and potash soft soap manufacturers’, whose ‘chief offices’ at Listerhills road (our Mill here, in fact) are proudly pictured at the top of their promotional material.
STEPHENSON BROTHERS, Ltd.; Oil Importers, Soft Soap Makers, and General Drysalters, Listerhills Road, Godwin Street, and Chesham Street, Bradford. Hours of Business: 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Established in 1844 by Thomas Stephenson. Later joined in partnership by his three brothers, trading as Stephenson Brothers. In 1874 George Speight (nephew) was admitted as partner. Thomas Stephenson retired in 1879, when the business was continued by George Balme Stephenson and George Speight. Incorporated as a Limited Company in 1900. Directors: George Balme Stephenson (Chairman), George Speight. Premises: Consist of three separate Warehouses, with a floor space of 11,000 sq. yds. Staff: About. 150. Specialities: Olive Oil and Lubricating Oils, Chemicals; Manufacturers of Furniture Cream, Floor Polish, Soft Soap, and other Household Commodities. Patentees of Wax Rods for Weaving Tender Warps, &c. Connection: United Kingdom (chiefly), Foreign, Colonial. Telephone: (Private Branch Exchange) No. 3760 Bradford (fiva lines). Telegraphic Address: " Falcon, Bradford." Bankers: London City and Midland Bank, Ltd. (Kirkgate, Bradford).
https://www.gracesguide.co.uk/1914_Who's_Who_in_Business:_Company_S
The building has been subject to a recent arson attempt: A report on a recent fire: http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/15326016.UPDATE__Mill_blaze_being_investigated_as_arson/
The Visit
This was not my first choice of destination. It was, in fact, fifth on my list of five, on a morning that began with multiple failed visits firstly in Oldham and then in Rochdale. As a result I headed to Bradford in the hope of having more success there. Although not the most exciting of explores it was marginally more enjoyable than the earlier experience of arriving to find everywhere else newly sealed and inaccessible.
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