The first reference to William Raven, hosiery manufacturer, is in a trade directory of 1870; until 1878 he is listed at various addresses in Crafton Street. In 1881 the firm is given as Raven, Wormleighton & Co, also in Crafton Street (Wormleighton & Stanyon are listed in 1877 & 1878 at 23-25 Millstone Lane and 31 Rutland Street respectively). In 1885-6 Raven, Wormleighton & Co were in Wheat Street but by 1887-8 the firm was listed as W. Raven & Co. The company continued under this name until 1968.
The factory was converted into a business centre sometime around the 1980's, sadly destroying most of the original interiors. Only one part of the factory is in fairly original condition, having been bricked off from the rest long ago. It seems that the last of the businesses moved out around eight years ago, since that time the place has remained fairly untouched, a strange mix of clean empty spaces and decaying rooms full of office equipment. Visited with jameswildcooper, jacquesj, Mr Sam, and MD.
The factory was converted into a business centre sometime around the 1980's, sadly destroying most of the original interiors. Only one part of the factory is in fairly original condition, having been bricked off from the rest long ago. It seems that the last of the businesses moved out around eight years ago, since that time the place has remained fairly untouched, a strange mix of clean empty spaces and decaying rooms full of office equipment. Visited with jameswildcooper, jacquesj, Mr Sam, and MD.
