The Ashton Brothers mill complex, included Carrfield Mill, Bayleyfield Mill, and Balaclava Mill, and stood as a key part of Hyde’s industrial landscape. Over time, the site was gradually dismantled — with Bayleyfield and Balaclava Mills reportedly demolished around 2008, and the remaining buildings cleared by January 2013.

These mills were central to Hyde’s identity, renowned for producing Zorbit towels and nappies, which became part of the Ashton Brothers & Co legacy dating back to the early 1800s.

Later, the site became home to Christy Towels, a brand founded in 1851. Recognised as the world’s oldest towel manufacturer, Christy pioneered the first mechanical loom for weaving terry fabric — the foundation of the modern towel. Today, the brand remains a leader in luxury towels and is famously the exclusive towel supplier for Wimbledon.

In July 2006, Christy was acquired by the global Welspun Group, which purchased an 85% stake, valuing the business at £15.6 million. By 2008, the Hyde dyehouse and making-up departments were closed, with production moved to Welspun’s state-of-the-art facility in Anjar, India.

From the heartbeat of Hyde’s industry to a global textile legacy — the story of Ashton Brothers and Christy Towels remains woven into the fabric of British industrial history.

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