Greenmount
The Greenmount Spinning Company, deeply rooted in Dublin’s industrial heritage, has a fascinating history that spans centuries. The site where the company flourished had a long industrial association, dating back to the 18th century. Initially, a corn mill operated on the site, and by 1807, it was under the ownership of James Greenham, who established the cotton mill that would later become known as the Greenmount Spinning Manufactory.
Greenham’s cotton mill marked the beginning of a significant chapter in Dublin’s industrial story. The mill was partially powered by the River Poddle, a small but vital waterway that played a crucial role in the city’s manufacturing processes. The Greenmount facility produced a range of cotton and linen items, contributing to the thriving textile industry in Dublin. The mill’s construction included a striking building, characterised by polychrome brick that added vibrancy to the industrial landscape. Inside, features like granite staircases and timber floorboards highlighted the mill’s historical significance and craftsmanship.
The mill gained further prominence when it was taken over by the Pim family in the mid-19th century. The Pims, a prominent Quaker family, were instrumental in expanding the Greenmount Spinning Company. Their influence on the site was profound, as they significantly enlarged the mill, cementing its status as a key player in Dublin’s industrial sector.
Thomas Pim, along with his brothers Jonathan and Joseph Robinson Pim, were the driving forces behind the success of Pim Brothers & Co., a merchant business specialising in linen exports and poplin manufacturing. Their enterprise was headquartered on William Street, but their impact extended far beyond, particularly through their involvement in the Greenmount Spinning Company.
The Pim family’s ventures in Harold’s Cross were part of a larger network of businesses that included not only spinning and weaving but also the manufacturing of Irish poplin—a fabric highly regarded for its quality. The Greenmount Spinning Company, alongside Pim Brothers & Co., became synonymous with excellence in textile production. Under the leadership of Frederic Pim, who inherited the business from his father, the company maintained its reputation for producing high-quality goods, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of Dublin’s industrial heritage.
The physical presence of the Greenmount Spinning Company was as significant as its economic contributions. The mill’s architecture, with its polychrome brick and imposing scale, left a lasting impression on the Harold’s Cross area. It wasn’t just an industrial site; it was a landmark that reflected the prosperity and ambition of Dublin’s textile industry during the 19th century.
Socially, the Pim family were known for their progressive values. As Quakers, they were committed to improving working conditions and were involved in various philanthropic activities across Dublin. Their influence extended beyond their factories, impacting the broader community through social reform and charitable work.
As the 19th century gave way to the 20th, Dublin’s textile industry faced increasing competition from larger manufacturers in Britain and abroad. Advances in technology and shifts in the global economy made it difficult for local enterprises like Greenmount to maintain their competitive edge. Despite these challenges, the legacy of the Greenmount Spinning Company and the Pim family endures.
Association with Poddle
The Poddle River flowed through the Greenmount Industrial Estate from Our Lady’s Hospice. There was a large mill pond that was originally used to power the mill there and later to help with the textile industry and bottling industries. The Mill pond was covered in, in the late 1960s with the Poddle River heading to the Grand Canal being culverted. This culverting was the cause of floods in the 1970s.
What the Newspapers Say
- Dublin Corporation seeks £35,000 approval to address persistent Poddle River flooding by culverting a 240-meter section from Greenmount Lane to the Grand Canal due to structural concerns.