Both steam and water mills were once used in Polesworth. Of the water mill (shown left), only the former millstream, on the eastern side of the river bridge, can now be seen. The steam mill, located next to the canal in Market Street, was partially converted into a cinema in 1912, before becoming a soft drinks factory in 1956. The whole site was eventually redeveloped for housing.
(See also: the industrial heritage map.)
Boat building and repair of narrow boats was carried out at Sephton's Yard (right), alongside the canal in Grendon Road, on the site now occupied by Lime Kilns Close. The yard, later acquired by Lees and Atkins, was well known for the quality of its work and for its "castles and roses" paintwork.
(See also: the industrial heritage map.)
Basket weaving was based at the Nunnery Gateway, in High Street, until the 20th Century. The illustration on the left shows willow canes, to be used in making baskets, being dried in a room above the Gatehouse. The canes used in the process were gathered from willow trees growing beside the River Anker. The room, itself, was used for this purpose from the 19th Century onwards.
(See also: the industrial heritage map.)