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Summary

Description

Mid-Later 19th century. 4-storey, 6 by 2 bay rectangular-plan former mill. Canted end bay to south corner. Regular fenestration. Whin and sandstone rubble with red sandstone dressings. Purple slated M-roof with valley gutter. Entrances to northwest elevation. Modern communications tower to north corner.

Multi-pane timber sash and case and fixed glazing.

INTERIOR: largely subdivided. Structure of cast iron columns and timber beams. Timber stair.

Statement of Special Interest

B-Group with Morrison and Murray Engineering Works and The Former Glasite Meeting House.

Built for Sime Sanderson and Co., Botany Mill is a rare survival of a 'slow loom' mill in Galashiels, and is, along with the other remnants of the industrial past in the town, an important reminder of the origins and expansion of the town in the later 19th century. The mill is a prominent feature in the townscape and forms part of a significant group of buildings, including the buildings which make up Morrison and Murray's Engineering group and the former Glasite Chapel (all separately listed).

It is thought that Botany mill is so called as it was the first mill in Galashiels to use Botany Wool.

The first mill building in this location was a fulling mill built in 1797 and extended with a spinning mill in 1829 (both demolished). However, a fire in 1870 most likely destroyed that building. The present building probably dates to circa 1870-1880. Multi-storey weaving mills were superseded when fast looms were brought in from about 1880. It is marked as a wood store when sold in 1932.

The importance of the wool manufacturing trade to Galashiels can not be overestimated, as this industry was the sole reason for its expansion and prosperity in the 19th century. Wool manufacture has largely subsided, but the remaining buildings are important monuments to the industry.

Although there were water-powered fulling mills in Galashiels by the 16th century, the modern Textile Industry began in the 18th century. At this time, however, Galashiels had a relatively minor part in the Borders textile industry, although the establishment of the manufacturers corporation in 1777 was to play an important role. Through the 19th century the industry expanded rapidly. The arrival of the railway in 1849 allowed for easy access to raw materials and coal, which facilitated the increased use of steam power by the 1860s. The late 1860s and early 1870s were the peak of prosperity for Galashiels, which benefited greatly from a number of foreign conflicts. By this time there were over 20 large-scale producers of cloth, as well as a number of allied industries. However, Galashiels had an over-reliance on foreign trade, which led to the slow decline of the industry through the late 19th and early 20th century.

References

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