Clayton le Moors
By the side of the Leeds and Liverpool canal at Clayton-le-Moors once stood an old Corn Mill founded in 1841 by Joseph Appleby a highly regarded Industrialist and Philanthropist of the time, the Mill was serviced by both road and canal although the Appleby Family made good use of the canal by having their own fleet of barges to transport their products.
In 1875 - Mill House was built in the yard of the Corn Mill for Arthur Appleby (Joseph Appleby's second Son), and his family. Subsequently sometime after Arthur Appleby's death in 1902, the East Lancashire Soap Company occupied the Corn Mill (Proprietors: The Hacking family) who converted it in to a soap factory, among other lines produced there over the years was the famous Dr Lovelace's floating soap, it was very popular at the time as it didn't get lost in the bath.
The Mill buildings are long gone, demolished in about 1962, but the House (Mill House) was saved from demolition by the members of Albert Edward Lodge No.1519, (founded 1874), who remodelled it and turned it in to a Masonic Hall.
The Masonic Hall was extended and extensively refurbished during the summer recess (2011) with new Ladies/Gents/Disabled Toilet facilities plus improved access for its less able visitors. The new extension now gives extra facilities in the form of a new Entrance, new Lodge Room, anteroom, storeroom and Toilets. During 2013 a new Kitchen extension was added to the Hall to further improve the facilities.
In 2014 what was the old kitchen was converted to a small dining room / buffet room / meeting room to further enhance the facilities at Mill House. Roof repairs were carried out in 2017 and further work and improvements are being planned on a rolling programme.
Mill House undertook a programme of refurbishment in 2021 with the reinstatement of 27 windows to improve the external appearance of this -year-old building. The Corn Mill Suite has been completely remodelled with the removal of the stage, the opening-up of two large windows to allow natural light into the function room, a new ceiling with state-of-the-art LED lighting, new carpet and decorations. The interior redesign of the Bar and Lounge area has a new modern décor together with drinks shelving and high stools replacing the low profile table and stool layout. The whole ground floor has been redecorated with special attention paid to the Ladies toilets.
The commercial aspect of Mill House has been leased to a Company who will be responsible for all non-Masonic functions, i.e., weddings, christenings, anniversaries etc., but will also provide services for Masonic evenings/functions if required.
Not only is Mill House the Home of Freemasonry in Clayton-le-Moors, but it is also available to the general public for your Special Events and Occasions, for more information, Hall availability, prices and Booking procedure.
