Dixon’s chimney is one of Carlisle’s famous landmarks; a reminder of its textile history. Shaddon Mill was originally a cotton factory and its chimney was built to be tall enough to stop the large amounts of factory smoke from polluting the rest of the city. Built in 1836, the cotton mill and chimney were the largest in the country with the chimney being the 8th largest chimney in the world. Peter Dixon and Sons Ltd. provided work for 8000 people in their four mills in the area.
In 1883 Peter Dixon and Sons Ltd. went into liquidation and the mill was taken over by Robert Todd and Sons Ltd., who then used the mill for wool production rather than cotton. Originally the chimney was 305 ft tall, but in 1950 it was shortened to 290 ft. The internal diameter of the chimney remains 17 ft 6 in and 10 ft walls at the base.
Sadly, late in October 2019, a man experiencing a mental health crisis lost his life on the chimney. May he rest in peace. If you or anyone you know (or suspect) may be experiencing mental health challenges, please reach out for help and support. Every life matters.