Folds Mill

Folds Mill, Folds Rd, Little Bolton was opened in 1884 by Arthur Bromiley and Co, Ltd., cotton spinners and manufacturers, with 700 looms manufacturing, shirtings, cambrics, jacquards, dobbies, etc. By 1938 the mill was in use as a printing works and from the 1960s - 1980s Marston Radiators. The lettering B A S stands for Britain's Aquatic Superstore which has been based here from at least 1985.

The name of the manufacturer of the water tank, Witter & Son, is shown in the centre panel of the left face. Witter & Son of Crown Works, Bolton, were manufacturers of fire protection equipment. It is likely to have been installed to supply an automatic sprinkler system in the mill. Their 'Witter' sprinkler has been extensively used in many countries.