Nelstrops Albion Mills in Stockport.
I’ve gone past this mill countless times, and have always
admired the white wash of flour up the side of the building. It was only when I
saw Nelstrops flour for sale in a local shop that I was prompted to look into
its history.
It turns out that Nelstrops is the only independent family
miller in the North West. The company was founded in 1820 by an enterprising 19
year old, William Nelstrop, who later became Mayor of Stockport. According to
the company’s website, he was offered a knighthood by Queen Victoria for his
role in defusing the anti-corn law riots, but refused the honour – partly because
he sympathised with the poor who could not afford bread, and partly because the
lower wheat prices would benefit his business.
The business is still run by his descendants, and the Albion
Mills on Lancashire Hill have survived fires and blitz. The sign on the top says the building was erected in 1820 and rebuilt in 1894.
