When you step into Queen Street Mill Textile Museum, the first thing that greets you is the astounding “Peace” steam engine.
Operational even today, this engine stands as a living testament to Victorian ingenuity.
The Weaving Floor
The weaving floor is where the magic happens. Here, visitors can see an array of traditional Lancashire looms, still operational and maintained in their original setting. This provides an authentic experience, a step back into history, complete with the clang of metal and the rattle of shuttles.
Stories of the Mill Workers
Beyond the machines and looms, the museum takes great care in narrating the human experience of the mill workers. Vintage photographs, oral histories, and memorabilia offer glimpses into the daily lives, struggles, and triumphs of the people who worked in the mill.
Learning Through Doing
The museum offers several hands-on activities and interactive exhibits, making it an ideal destination for families. Children can engage in weaving mini-projects, textile-related games, and educational quizzes that provide both fun and learning.
For All to Enjoy
Queen Street Mill has made efforts to be inclusive, featuring wheelchair-accessible routes and offering tactile tours for visually impaired visitors. A day at this mill is an experience that can be enjoyed by all, irrespective of age or physical ability.
Seasonal Events and Special Tours
The museum hosts various seasonal events and special tours throughout the year. Whether it’s a Victorian Christmas celebration or a focused tour on steam engine maintenance, there is always something new to explore.
A Place for Research and Study
Apart from its role as a museum, Queen Street Mill serves as a hub for textile researchers and students. It offers a plethora of archival materials, ranging from vintage design patterns to worker’s logbooks, making it an invaluable resource for academic inquiry.
Through the meticulous preservation of machinery, thoughtful curation of human stories and a host of interactive elements, a visit here is profoundly enriching – an indispensable treasure in Britain’s industrial heritage and one of the most intriguing visitor attractions in Lancashire.
Address – Queen Street Mill, Harle Syke, Briercliffe, Burnley, BB10 2HX
Telephone – 01282 459996
Website – https://www.lancashire.gov.uk/queen-street-mill-textile-museum/
