(1756 - 1828), Businessman

Born in Lancashire, Samuel Oldknow served an apprenticeship in his uncle's draper's shop at Nottingham. He then moved to Stockport where he established a mill for the manufacture of muslin. Muslin is a finely-woven unbleached or white cloth produced from corded yarn and it was mainly used to make curtains, sheets and dresses.

In 1793 Oldknow opened another mill at Mellor and this was at the same time that he was the chief promoter for the construction of the Peak Forest Canal and Tramway to supply limestone and coal to a battery of lime kilns that he proposed to build at Marple.

He was a highly motivated and ambitious man who wanted to expand his business interests but, as he was lacking in financial skills, he was unable to raise capital in London where he sold his textile products. As a result of this, he turned to his friend, Richard Arkwright Junior, for substantial loans, which were granted to him.

In order to expand his textile business he needed to move to Stockport, so he built a house on Higher Hillgate (now No. 27), and adjoining this he built his muslin mill in the 1780s. Here he installed spinning mules, invented by Samuel Crompton in 1779, and looms, the mill being powered by a Boulton and Watt steam engine.

Subsequently, the mill was closed and later the hat manufacturers, Christy and Company, occupied the site. The hat works remained open until 1997 following which it was demolished but Oldknow’s house was left standing. Although the doors and windows were boarded up, the house began to suffer from the effects of vandalism and the weather and soon it was in a state of disrepair.

However, as a result of the Hillgate Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Hillgate Regeneration Scheme commenced and the house was saved. Because of its historic importance and connection with Samuel Oldknow, the house is now listed as a Grade II building. It has now undergone a sensitive restoration by Fairclough Homes and on completion it contained seven apartments.

Prior to the commencement of the development, an archaeological survey of Oldknow’s muslin mill site was undertaken. A number of interesting finds were made, including the remains of the original engine house. The mill foundations were also revealed and all artefacts, including clay pipes, have been placed in the care of Stockport’s Heritage Services for display at the restored Staircase House in the Market Place.

Samuel Oldknow.

Samuel Oldknow's house on Higher Hillgate, Stockport, undergoing restoration and conversion, 20 May 2007.