Source/Archive record SCH9227 - Level 2 Recording: Building 1, Former Silk Printing Works, Langley, Macclesfield, Cheshire

The remains of three late nineteenth century buildings associated with the former Langley Print Works were subject to building recording at Levels 1 or 2 in 2018. The work was undertaken as part of a proposal to re-develop the site which would include demolition of the buildings. (R4600a-c) The building known as the Wheelhouse (Building 1, SJ 9410 7135), comprises two buildings - Building A, which corresponds to a building depicted on the OS First Edition map of 1882, and Building B, which adjoinings Building A on its north-eastern side and which overlies an arched culvert which is also visible on the OS First Edition. Building A, which is built in a common Cheshire-style red brick, likely dates to 1840 to 1850. Building B, built in Accrington type brick, post-dates Building A and was probably constructed around 1900. Despite the name the 'Wheelhouse', after survey, it seems unlikely that Building A housed a water wheel associated with the silk works. Historically water wheels developed in the early part of the industrial revolution with regard to textile mill processing and, with the early damming up of the stream higher up in the 1830’s/1840’s, it would be reasonable to assume that this was for some purpose associated with water power. However, unless there was excessive amounts of water, it is likely that this would only develop between 20 to 50 horsepower, not sufficient power for the complex of buildings associated with the silk printing industry. A water wheel required to produce 100 horsepower would have to be a minimum of 3.4 metres in diameter and 3.6 metres wide. Additionally, water wheels are normally attached directly to the mill or the wheel house part of the main mill complex, unlike Building A, which was an isolated building away from the main works buildings. Furthermore, there is no evidence, internally or externally, of any mechanism or wheel housing remaining. Building B was constructed around 1900 and given that the ground floor of that building is cast concrete over the water course, any wheel house position, if there was one, would have been completely obliterated by the construction the building.