33. T and M Bairstow

The mill built by John Bairstow in 1838 was about a quarter of a mile away from the old village of Sutton. Houses were built for the workpeople by the firm. These were near the mill and gradually the village of Sutton Mill grew up. This was, up to the war, separated by several filds from the original Sutton. Recent extensions have taken place in this direction and now the two villages are almost completely joined. Officially the name of the two is Sutton-in-Craven. Locally the names Sutton and Sutton Mill are still used separately.

The mill has been much extended over the years and at the present time there are about 450 looms and 20,000 spinning and twisting spindles. The entire process of manufacturing with the exception of dyeing and finishing is carried on at the Sutton Mills. The average staff is more than seven hundred. The majority of these people live in the village.