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Galashiels, Roxburgh Street, Botany Mill

Tweed Mill (18th Century), Woollen Mill (18th Century)

Site Name Galashiels, Roxburgh Street, Botany Mill

Classification Tweed Mill (18th Century), Woollen Mill (18th Century)

Alternative Name(s) Weirhaugh Mill; Sime, Sanderson And Co

Canmore ID 178814

Site Number NT43NE 118

NGR NT 4889 3632

NGR Description Centred NT4889 3632 and NT4884 3635 to NT4895 3627

Datum OSGB36 - NGR

Permalink http://canmore.org.uk/site/178814

Ordnance Survey licence number AC0000807262. All rights reserved.
Canmore Disclaimer. © Copyright and database right 2024.

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Administrative Areas

  • Council Scottish Borders, The
  • Parish Galashiels
  • Former Region Borders
  • Former District Ettrick And Lauderdale
  • Former County Selkirkshire

Archaeology Notes

NT43NE 118 centred 4889 3632 and 4884 3635 to 4895 3627

Originally known as the Weirhaugh Mill, this mill was erected in 1797, by Hugh Sanderson, clothier and Thomas Clapperton weaver. When the name was changed to Botany is unknown, but the name probably arose from it being the first mill in the town in which Botany wool was used.

The original building was 40 feet long and 18 feet wide and high. In 1829 the mill was enlarged. A fire of 1870 caused #10,000 worth of damage.

Information taken from Hall, 1898

During March 1999 RCAHMS conducted a photographic survey of the standing industrial heritage relating to the textile industry in Galashiels. The purpose of this survey was to enhance and augment the existing holdings of the National Monuments Record Scotland.

Visited by RCAHMS (MKO), March 1999

Site Management (23 July 2009)

4-storey, 6 by 2 bay rectangular-plan former mill. Canted end bay to south corner. Regular fenestration. Whin and sandstone rubble with red sandstone dressings. Purple slated M-roof with valley gutter. Entrances to northwest elevation. Modern communications tower to north corner. Multi-pane timber sash and case and fixed glazing.

Built for Sime Sanderson and Co., Botany Mill is a rare survival of a 'slow loom' mill in Galashiels, and is, along with the other remnants of the industrial past in the town, an important reminder of the origins and expansion of the town in the later 19th century. The mill is a prominent feature in the townscape and forms part of a significant group of buildings. It is thought that Botany mill is so called as it was the first mill in Galashiels to use Botany Wool. The first mill building in this location was a fulling mill built in 1797 and extended with a spinning mill in 1829 (both demolished). However, a fire in 1870 most likely destroyed that building. The present building probably dates to circa 1870-1880. Multi-storey weaving mills were superseded when fast looms were brought in from about 1880. It is marked as a wood store when sold in 1932.

The importance of the wool manufacturing trade to Galashiels cannot be overestimated, as this industry was the sole reason for its expansion and prosperity in the 19th century. Wool manufacture has largely subsided, but the remaining buildings are important monuments to the industry. (Historic Environment Scotland List Entry)

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