Temple Works (Leeds)

 mill, flax processing plant

The Temple Mills (1838 – 43) were designed by Egyptologist and architect Joseph Bonomi Jun for John Marshall, founder of the Leeds flax industry. The mill had one large open room which was said to be ‘the largest room in the world’. This was a revolutionary decision as most mills were built multi storey. The mill was top lit by 65 conical glass domes, held within brick arches supported by cast iron columns. These columns also acted as rainwater drainage. To prevent rainwater penetrating the flat roof, the roof was covered on the outside with plaster, tar, earth and grass to insulate. It is said that a flock of sheep grazed upon the grass. The furniture was of Egyptian design and the building had a façade copied from the portico of the Temple of Horus at Edfu. Over 1,000 people worked in the mill. Temple Mill is now owned by a mail order company which, regrettably, does not grant access to anyone. Its future is unknown.