Bessbrook Spinning Co Ltd

Sectors:

  • Textile production Linen/flax textiles production inc spinning & weaving

Notes:

Traced origins to the Richardson family of Quakers, especially John Grubb Richardson who took up flax spinning at Bessbrook in 1846. 1863 Richardson bought works from his family's business, J N Richardson Sons & Owden of Belfast, and formed it into Bessbrook Spinning Co. Under the management of his son, James N Richardson, 1846-1921, developed into a leading linen business operating from several sites. Incorporated 1878. Built industrial village for workers. Continued closely connected with J N Richardson Sons & Owden Ltd who were bleachers and linen merchants. Business peaked in 1890s and thereafter in decline. Closed early 1970s

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