Mossley Mill’s rich history in textile-related industries dates back to the 1700s. It wasn’t until 1834, however, when well-established cotton manufacturers, the Grimshaw family introduced the art of flax spinning.
Whilst under the ownership of Edmund Grimshaw, the mill seen the addition of a dam and chimney which were used to innovatively utilise the power of water and steam to run the mill machinery.
Twenty years later, in 1859, the mill was purchased by the Campbell family who continued expanding both the mill and the village, setting up a school, workers’ houses and a sports pavilion. Thread making was introduced to the business in the 1880s and expansion continued throughout the 1900s with the arrival of synthetic threads and new manufacturing equipment.
In 1978, the Campbell family company was sold to London-based Hanson Trust, where it was then amalgamated with Barbour Threads of Hilden, near Lisburn. As a result, Barbour Campbell Threads Ltd was born and a decision was soon made to transfer all thread production to Hilden, while spinning remained at Mossley.
Mossley Mill changed ownership yet again in 1993, when it was bought by Herdmans Flax Spinners of Sion Mills, Co Tyrone. However, this was short-lived as the mill sadly closed for good in 1995.
The former flax spinning mill was set for demolition when it was saved by Newtownabbey Council who bought it in 1996. Shortly after, a major restoration and conversion project began with the aim of retaining this important element of local heritage whilst providing a modern and accessible working environment. The first phase of the mill site was converted to the Civic Headquarters and was officially opened by Prince Charles on 13 June 2000.
In October 2010, work on Phase Two of the Mossley Mill Civic and Cultural development was completed with the opening of Museum at The Mill and state-of-the-art Community Arts and Cultural Centre, Theatre at the Mill. The project also included the refurbishment of the remaining mill buildings to include additional offices and a conferencing and function centre ‘Meet at The Mill’.
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