Samuel Fox & Co Office Block and Mills
Location/Address
Liberty Speciality Steels, 7 Fox Valley Way, Stocksbridge S36 2JA
Type
Description
Original office building and two mills of Samuel Fox & Co's works from the 1850-60s. The office block was built in 1864 and still houses the boardroom for what is now Liberty Speciality Steels. Two mills behind it were built in the 1850s, the north mill for making umbrella frames and springs, the south mill for wire drawing.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Age
The three buildings from the 1850s and 1860s date back almost to the inception of Samuel Fox's works and demonstrate his rapid success and skill in moving on from wire drawing to meet the needs of fashion - the invention of the Paragon umbrella frame and crinoline frames. These housed mainly female workers.Rarity
The buildings are rare in such a setting - quite a deep and remote valley some distance from any other industry.Architectural and Artistic Interest
The two mills are 5 storeys high and very narrow, built in stone in plain classical style, with tall windows (arched on the top floor) to increase the light. The office block is in Italianate style, of pale brick and stone. The original mill datestone 'JS Denton 1742' and war memorials can be found on the exterior north wall.Group Value
The buildings have value from being part of a planned group.Historic Interest
Samuel Fox (1815-1887) arrived in the valley in 1842 as a wire-drawer to take over an existing mill; he quickly started to develop the business and patented his colleague Joseph Hayward's invention of the Paragon umbrella frame, which is still famous today. He was able to respond quickly to new inventions but kept hold of his diverse products; he installed the latest plant to make steel for railway tracks, wheels and tyres, while still making watch springs. These remaining original buildings front the more modern developments stretching up the valley and represent his great achievements.Landmark Status
The buildings are the entrance to and at the heart of the steelworks in the Little Don Valley, and with the development of the Fox Valley shopping centre opposite have come to represent the centre of the town. Initially they were almost the only buildings in the valley. Since most residents have worked, or have ancestors who worked, in the steelworks, they have very clear local importance and generate a sense of belonging.Images and Documents
Date Listed
15 Aug 2022
Last Updated
16 Jun 2022
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