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  "description": "The skyline of Leek, Staffordshire, has changed forever following the catastrophic fire and subsequent demolition of its most iconic industrial landmark: The Big Mill. Built in 1857 during the peak of the Victorian industrial boom, this Grade II listed structure stood for nearly 170 years as a testament to Leek’s legacy as the \"Queen of the Moorlands\" and its dominance in the global silk trade.\n\nThe loss of the Big Mill is an irreplaceable blow to British industrial archaeology. As demolition cr",
  "path": "/the-history-and-tragic-demolition-of-leeks-big-mill/",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-30T18:43:55.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk",
  "tags": [
    "Check out my list on Amazon",
    "interactive Staffordshire map"
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  "textContent": "Watch the full video here on YouTube\n\nThe skyline of Leek, Staffordshire, has changed forever following the catastrophic fire and subsequent demolition of its most iconic industrial landmark: The Big Mill. Built in 1857 during the peak of the Victorian industrial boom, this Grade II listed structure stood for nearly 170 years as a testament to Leek’s legacy as the \"Queen of the Moorlands\" and its dominance in the global silk trade.\n\nThe loss of the Big Mill is an irreplaceable blow to British industrial archaeology. As demolition crews finish their work, the community is left to grapple with the preservation of its identity and the future of this historic site.\n\nFind out more about the petition - https://www.change.org/p/protect-leek-s-heritage-no-housing-development-on-the-big-mill-site\n\nSign up to my newsletter and find more local history - www.theredhairedstokie.co.uk\n\n* * *\n\nThank you for reading.\n\nIf you enjoy this work and would like to help support it, you can sign up for my newsletter so you don't miss anything.\n\nYou can also buy me a coffee here.\n\nAnd find my Amazon Wish List here;\n\nCheck out my list on Amazon\n\n* * *\n\nBelow is my interactive Staffordshire map, which is now embedded at the end of every post. The map brings together all of the places I have visited, researched, written about, and filmed so far, with links to the stories behind them. It is designed to help you see what is around you, plan your own walks or days out, and explore Staffordshire’s history in a more connected and interactive way.",
  "title": "The History and Tragic Demolition of Leek’s Big Mill",
  "updatedAt": "2026-03-30T18:43:55.897Z"
}