Writing the Mill

Burnley’s historical significance as the cotton weaving capital of the world in the late nineteenth century was the starting point for this creative writing course.

Learners shared memories of the mill town and found inspiration in a visit to the last operational steam-powered weaving mill in the world at Queen Street Mill, where the sound of more than three hundred Lancashire looms clattering in the weaving shed brought home the extreme working conditions. A session with Lancashire Museum’s Hidden Histories unit revealed personal stories of both the hardships and the community feeling of mill life.

Learners produced poems, stories and drama which explore the cotton industry heritage from different perspectives.

Tutor - Maureen Fenton