Trouble at t’mill: a brief history of an East Lancashire Cotton Mill: talk by Kate Sherry

Ingham & Son’s Cotton Mill was established in the mid-1850s, in Padiham, East Lancashire, originally as a spinning mill and later including a weaving mill. It was founded by William Ingham (Kate’s 4 x great grandfather) and his sons. 

A wide range of records will be used to give an insight into what it was like to work in a mill from both the managers’ and workers’ perspectives. These records include a diary, newspaper reports, trade directories, local history books and other records found in local archives. Strikes, expansion, accidents and other issues will be discussed. 

Kate’s avid interest in family history and genealogy began when her children were born. She wanted to explain who their ancestors were and how they had influenced their lives. She grew up and lives in East Lancashire and many of her ancestors worked within the cotton industry. She is particularly proud of her Lancastrian roots! 

She established her business Ancestor Trail after studying genealogy with Pharos Teaching and the Society of Genealogists.