Arnold Local History Group

A Journey Through Time

Arnold, a town teeming with industrial history, has long been a beacon of enterprise and innovation in the region. From the early days of small-scale manufacturing to the establishment of renowned factories and breweries, Arnold's industrial landscape has shaped the town's character and contributed to its prosperity.

The Early Days of Industry

The roots of Arnold's industrial prowess can be traced back to the early 19th century, when small workshops and mills dotted the town. These establishments were primarily centred around textile production, with local craftsmen honing their skills in weaving and knitting. The burgeoning demand for textiles, both locally and nationally, fuelled the growth of these enterprises, laying the foundation for Arnold's industrial journey.

I&R Morley

A notable name in Arnold's industrial past is I&R Morley, a hosiery factory located in Daybrook. The company was established by brothers John and Richard Morley from Sneinton, who started the family enterprise in 1795 when hosiery was a cottage industry. Initially, the company sold textile products made by home workers in the Nottingham area. By the 1880s, I&R Morley had grown to employ over 10,000 individuals and was one of the first firms to offer long-term employee benefits and allowances, including pensions after retirement.

The Daybrook facility, positioned at the junction of Mansfield Road and Nottingham Road, includes a 3-story hosiery factory built in 1885 for I & R Morley and an adjoining 2-story office block featuring a small central pediment with a clock. At the rear is a more modern 4-story building from 1901 with subtle embellishments. The buildings display the owner’s name and construction date inscribed on stones, with the earlier building showcasing intricate brickwork on its gable facing Mansfield Road.

The company specialised in hosiery manufacturing and became known for producing high-quality products that were popular both domestically and internationally. They were even commissioned to produce underwear for Queen Victoria. I&R Morley provided jobs for a significant portion of the town's population and played a crucial role in shaping Arnold's industrial identity.

Home Brewery

Another iconic establishment in Arnold's industrial tapestry is Home Brewery. Founded in the 1870s, the brewery became synonymous with quality ales and stouts. The distinctive aroma of malt and hops wafting through the streets of Arnold was a testament to the brewery's thriving operations. Home Brewery not only quenched the thirst of locals but also exported its renowned beverages far and wide, putting Arnold on the map as a hub of brewing excellence.

Thomas Robinson was a successful farmer in Arnold with interests in the malting industry. At the time of his death, he owned over 1000 acres of land. Thomas was married to Alice Parr, with whom he had six children. Upon Thomas's passing, his youngest son, John Robinson, inherited the malting business and half of the family farm. John expanded his holdings by acquiring additional land and constructing a maltings, which served as the foundation of his wealth.

Sir John Robinson (1839-1929) established a brewery on Mansfield Road in the 1870s, utilising water from a nearby spring to the west of Arnold. In 1890, he named the brewery ‘Home Brewery Company’ after his family residence, ‘Home Farm,’ which was located near what is now Queen’s Bower Road. From 1888 to 1896, John was Sheriff of Nottingham before being knighted in 1905. Over the following years, the business expanded with the acquisition of various local breweries and the production of soft drinks and spirits, including those under Apollo Soft Drinks Ltd and Killingley & Co Ltd. The brewery ultimately ceased operations in 1996. With the acquisition of more land, Robinson's brother, Samuel, subsequently founded the Daybrook Laundry, which was situated across the road from the brewery on Mansfield Road.

Daybrook Laundry

Initially developed by Robinson Bros. & Co., Daybrook Laundry was part of the Robinson family saga of commercial success, not only in laundering but also in farming, brewing and brickmaking. Firmly established in the mid-1870s by Samuel Robinson, brother of Sir John Robinson the brewer, Daybrook Laundry was another significant player in Arnold's industrial scene. It provided an essential laundry service to both residents and businesses. The laundry became an indispensable part of Arnold Town's daily life. Early advertising offered collection and delivery of laundry, initially by horse-drawn vans, later by petrol engines and electric vehicles with the onset of modernisation. The large-scale operations of Daybrook Laundry employed numerous locals, contributing to the town's economic stability and growth; it was, in effect, a massive laundry factory. Late 19th-century advertising offered ample drying facilities outdoors and early photographs of the operations indoors show that there was a great reliance on manual labour throughout, for example, in ironing. Later, the introduction of machinery greatly speeded up washing, drying, ironing, packing and delivery internally to the despatch department.

In the 1930s, the early building underwent modernisation, including the addition of a new reception building and the installation of an art deco frontage. The original roof was also completely removed. A small domestic dry-cleaning outlet was established in the old reception building, and the company subsequently changed its name to Daybrook Linen Service. 

The Laundry was sold to the Sunlight Services group and closed in 2002. The building was demolished in 2008.

Allen & Solly

Allen & Solly played a significant role in Arnold's industrial history, becoming one of the leading names in hosiery and knitwear. This esteemed clothing manufacturer specialised in producing high-quality garments that were both stylish and durable. The company's commitment to quality and its innovative approach to fashion established Allen & Solly as a household name, further enhancing Arnold's reputation as an industrial hub.

Originally operating as a cottage industry in the town, there is evidence of their merchandise being exported to America as early as 1811, though workers at that time were still manufacturing from home. Initially, the company utilised the "domestic system" for production, where workers (known as stockingers) were provided with looms and raw materials (cotton, silk, or wool) and worked from home. The finished products were then collected and sold. Such was the calibre of the work produced that by the time of the Great Exhibition in 1851, members of the royal family, Indian princesses, and Presidents of the USA, among other notable figures, were wearing items produced by the company.

The first factory in Arnold, known as the Hand Frame Shop, is believed to have been built around 1860, although there is no documented evidence to confirm this. In the 1960s, the company became part of Coats Viyella, and in the 1990s, it was acquired by the Indian company Madura Garments, which remains operational at the time of writing. On September 28th, 1995, the Hand Frame Shop at the former Allen & Solly factory was granted a Grade II listing by Historic England.

Railway

The station opened on the first of February 1876 on the west side of Mansfield Road as Bestwood & Arnold. The station was renamed Daybrook for Arnold and Bestwood in March 1876. It was then renamed Daybrook Station in August 1876. The station retained this name until its closure but was often referred to as Daybrook for Arnold. It had two facing platforms. The main station building was on the upper side, with a single-storey block for the booking office, waiting rooms, and toilets, and a two-storey L-shaped stationmaster's house attached to the east end. A timber waiting room with a hipped slate roof was located on the down platform. Passengers crossed the line using a barrow crossing and access to the station was via a short approach from Mansfield Road called Station Road.

The Be-Ro flour processing works were built on the north side of the station concourse in 1931, producing flour for the home-baking market. Be-Ro originated in Newcastle (Thomas Bell) in 1895, with a second main depot opening in Daybrook to expand its production in the Midlands.

Due to subsidence in the Mapperley Tunnel, Daybrook station closed to the public on the fourth of April 1960. The station remained open to goods traffic, reached via the Leen Valley Junction to the west. The station finally closed to all traffic on the first of June 1964.

The track through Daybrook station was lifted in August 1965. The station remained in a derelict state, but by 1970, the west end of the site was lost under the Longdale Road residential development. After the closure of the flour mill, the site was cleared in the 1990s prior to the construction of the Madford Retail Park, which opened in 1994. A public footpath now runs along the southern boundary of the station site.

The Legacy of Industry in Arnold

Arnold's industrial heritage is a testament to the town's resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit. The establishments that once thrived in Arnold not only provided employment and economic stability but also fostered a sense of community and pride among its residents. The legacy of I&R Morley, Home Brewery, Daybrook Laundry and Allen & Solly lives on, reminding us of the town's rich industrial past and its contributions to the broader industrial landscape.

Today, while the industrial scene in Arnold has evolved, the town continues to honour its heritage through various initiatives and celebrations. Historical societies and local events keep the memory of Arnold's industrial pioneers alive, ensuring that future generations appreciate the town's remarkable journey through time.

In conclusion, Arnold's industrial history is a story of innovation, resilience, and community. From the early days of textile production to the establishment of iconic factories and breweries, Arnold's industrial landscape has shaped the town's identity and left an indelible mark on its history. As we look to the future, we can draw inspiration from Arnold's industrial past, celebrating the achievements of those who came before us whilst continuing to build on their legacy.

© Arnold Local History Group