[1] It was originally called New Old Mill and was renamed following a royal visit by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in 1942.

The Ancoats mills collectively comprise "the best and most-complete surviving examples of early large-scale factories concentrated in one area".

Historically this area of Manchester had used the waters of the Shooters Brook to power the waterwheels on Salvins Factory[2] and the New Islington Mill.

Originally used for transport, the canal had provided water to Murrays and McConnells for the condensers of their steam engines.

"[6] After decades of neglect and decay, a restoration scheme costing £65 million was announced by ING Real Estate in 2003, which would see the building converted for use as flats, offices and shops.