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Linen mills founded in 1808, built by Fenton Murray and Wood (Leeds) with later 19th century additions, probably by in-house engineers John Maberley and Richards and Co. It is the oldest iron-framed mill in Scotland. Comprising a large complex of textile manufacturing and storage buildings, granite and brick-clad, of iron framed or reinforced concrete construction, with setted streets between them. There is a range of 4 and 5 storey spinning mills in the centre of the site. OId Mill, dating from 1808 is of 7 bays, South Mill (circa 1820) of 8 bays and New Mill (circa 1850-60) of 14 bays. Stair and lavatory towers were built in 1922-3. New large red brick mills (North and South) built in 1913 to the design of Wilson and Walker, were used for carding and spinning. A new flax mill (known as the Bastille) built on the south side of Mabberley Street in 1911-13, is of red brick, four storey with a central castellated tower and little corner turrets in the front elevation. Other buildings include warehouses (flax stores), a boiler house, offices, storehouses and an engine house. The mills were built for Scott Brown and Co (of Angus) who went bankrupt in 1811, the Broadford works was developed by Sir John Maberly MP, introducer of jute to the UK who rapidly developed the Broadford Works. He adopted the first gas lighting of an industrial complex in Scotland, by Boulton and Watt in 1814-15 and Scotland's second power loom linen weaving factory in Scotland in 1824. Maberly became bankrupt in 1834 and the works passed to Richards and Co. Later man-mad fibres for carpet yarn replaced flax and the works was once the largest single employer in Aberdeen. Also known as Broadford Firehose and Canvas Works. A sundial dated 1692 was reportedly found on the site of the Flax Mill during demolition work in the first few years of the 20th century (see also NJ90NW0307 and NJ90NW0611). Building recording, comprising standing building survey and photographic recording, was carried out by Cameron Archaeology between October 2015 and January 2017. The 'Bastille' has now been converted to flats.
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Historic Environment Records (HER) 
Aberdeen City
HER -
NJ90NW0075 - BROADFORD MILLS