A familiar landmark to Miles Platting people is the Victoria Mill. Its tall almost minaret-like chimney touches the skyline in Lower Vickers Street

During 1877 William Holland, after experiencing considerable misfortune with a property in the Salford area, owing to the nearness of the River Irk causing frequent floods, decided to procure a more permanent site in the district of Miles Platting upon which to build a Cotton Mill.

This was followed by an extension building in 1883. Both buildings rose to a height of seven storeys and measured respectively 150ft in length and 135ft in height.

Soon many local people were employed at the spinning of French Cashmere yarns. The business prospered and quickly became the byword of the textile industry.
A great deal has been said about the exploitation of the working classes by rich Mill owners and doubtless this did exist during the 19th Century in many parts of the City.
Yet William Holland and his predecessors gained the respect and admiration of the community.

The Holland family were known as kind benevolent people, who took an active interest in the welfare of their employees’ and in the cause of Social Reform, through being actively involved in politics.

Nearby Holland Street commemorates William’s Holland’s memory.
Alice Jackson