A “addictive” period drama filmed in a stunning Cheshire village is currently available to stream at no cost.
The Mill is a 2013 historical drama inspired by the real-life tales of textile workers at Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire. Developed by Emily Dalton using records from the archives of the National Trust Property, the series also wove in fictional characters and storylines.
The opening series, penned by John Fay, was set in 1830s Britain at the height of the Industrial Revolution, while the second and concluding series, broadcast in 2014, took place between 1838 and 1842. Sadly, Channel 4 axed The Mill after its second series, leaving the storyline unfinished.
“The Mill tells the story of life in Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire during the 1830s through the eyes of central characters, Esther Price and Daniel Bate,” reads the official synopsis.
“Esther is played by Kerrie Hayes and is a young millworker who risks her own position to stand up for justice. Daniel is played by Matthew McNulty and is a progressive young engineer with a troubled past,” reports Cheshire Live.
View 3 ImagesThe Mill aired on Channel 4(Image: Channel 4/Ryan Mcnamara)
“Based on the extensive historical archive of Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire and real people’s lives, the series depicts Britain at a time when the industrial revolution is changing the country beyond recognition.”
The drama tackles weighty subjects including workers’ rights, mill safety conditions, child labour legislation, and the political struggle to bring about meaningful change.
Exterior shots were captured at Quarry Bank Mill, alongside locations in Chester city centre and Chester Crown Court.
Interior scenes, meanwhile, were shot in Manchester due to the fact that “the real factory floor couldn’t be easily converted from its contemporary function as a museum”. Further filming took place in the picturesque Cheshire village of Styal.
Alongside lead actors Kerrie Hayes and Matthew McNulty, the drama boasts a talented supporting cast including Donald Sumpter, Barbara Marten, Andrew Lee Potts, Katherine Rose Morley, Holly Lucas, Sacha Parkinson, and Sope Dirisu.
View 3 ImagesThe series was set and filmed in Cheshire(Image: Channel 4/Ryan Mcnamara)
The Mill has continued to receive glowing praise across social media, with one IMDb reviewer writing: “Addictive and compelling. A wonderful insight into life of a community of mill workers and people from the local workhouse. So disappointed to hear there are to be no more seasons. Such a shame.”
A second enthusiast declared: “This is a brilliant and very gritty drama. From the moment that I started watching it, I immediately wanted to see it again. It gives you a very unflinching image of life during the Industrial Revolution and how the wealth of Britain at the time was made on the back of grinding hardship and poverty.”
A third viewer remarked: “The Mill is a captivating historical series illustrating the draconian conditions experienced by the working classes in the Cotton Mills. It is exceptionally well written, casted, directed, filmed and delivered by a fine array of actors,” while another equally enthused: “Enthralling series. Want to see more!”
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A fifth viewer echoed the sentiment, declaring: “The Mill is a gripping series and visually stunning. Everyone needs to watch it.”
The Mill is available to stream on Channel 4