Nov 9, 2012
Benyon, Marshall & Bage Flax Mill, Charles Bage, Shrewsbury, c. 1797.
Typical cotton mill is 4-5 stories high. Cotton mill produces fine spores and were very susceptible to fire. For the first time the beams and the columns were built from cast iron. Timber beams still ran along with it but they were plastered to reduce fire exposure. Brick arches were also plastered for protection. U-shaped columns so that the machinery shafts could pass through it. External walls were masonry with brick arches and wrought iron window frames.
Highly influential on the steel frame buildings that followed it.