Robert Whitworth & Company were woollen and worsted spinners and manufacturers.
The business was originally set up around 1795 by Richard Whitworth at Peel House Mill, Luddendenfoot.
After his death, the company was established around 1827 by his brother Robert Whitworth, and nephew William Illingworth.
Richard's orphaned sons John and William Whitworth were made partners when they came of age.
Around 1834, they moved to newly-erected premises at Lee Mills, Halifax. On 4th October 1853, there was a disastrous fire at Lee Mills, Halifax.
On 2nd August 1858, several workers were injured when a gas-holder fell.
They moved to Cooper House Mills, Luddendenfoot [1851]. In 1862, they rebuilt the mill.
They also occupied a part of Boy Mill, Luddendenfoot. In 1858, they rebuilt the mill.
They employed around 3,000 workers and employed most of workers in Luddendenfoot.
In the 1830s, they are recorded as paying double-pay for overtime work by their young employees – see Child labour.
In 1851, Robert Whitworth was the first worsted spinner in the Calder Valley to mechanise wool combing.
In October 1858, they were charged with working their employees too late in the evening. They were charged with working 75 females and young persons after the legal time at night. 38 of these charges were withdrawn and a total of £58 3/- in fines and costs was imposed.
In 1859, the brothers built Luddendenfoot Congregational Church and a dwelling house costing around £5,500 near their factory.
In 1862, they built Wood Bottom Dye Works.
In 1864, they took over Swamp Mills and Longbottom Mill.
In April 1874, they were reported to have liabilities of £280,000. Business was suspended and a meeting of creditors was arranged. The Luddendenfoot Industrial Co-operative Society used Whitworths as their bankers, and lost £1,881 when the Company failed.
In 1905, they are recorded at Swamp Mill, Sowerby.
Several members of the family were involved in the company, including Robert Whitworth, John Whitworth, William Whitworth, Robert Whitworth, and Robert Whitworth
This & associated entries use material contributed by Jeffrey Knowles
See Mitchell's School, Sowerby
Page Ref: MMW1466
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