Old Flax Mill, Knaresborough plaque

This commemorative plaque records: The Old Flax Mill. In Tudor times the manufacture of linen began as a cottage industry in Knaresborough, which later became renowned for 'the finest cloth'. This former flax mill dating from 1808 is the best surviving example of its type. Here raw flax was heckled (combed) by hand before being spun and woven at other mills across town. In 2000, after a life of industrial use, the building was transformed into a contemporary art gallery.

The Old Flax Mill in Knaresborough is a significant surviving example of early 19th-century textile manufacturing buildings, reflecting the area's historical importance in linen production. The mill represents the evolution from cottage industry to mechanized production and later adaptation for cultural use, showcasing the site’s enduring relevance in local economic and artistic history.