Last week, the B&E Boys team had the honour of completing a project for the National Trust at Gibson Mill, Hebden Bridge, facilitating the installation of a new water supply to the toilet block. This is one of several small but significant projects we’ve carried out for the National Trust over the past 12 months, and we feel privileged to work on buildings that are so unique and historically important.
Gibson Mill sits at the heart of Hardcastle Crags, a stunning 400-acre beauty spot in the South Pennines. The area is rich in unspoilt woodland, tumbling streams, dramatic waterfalls, and stacks of millstone grit, all crisscrossed with more than 15 miles of footpaths. It’s also home to the northern hairy wood ant. Gibson Mill itself is the Trust’s flagship sustainable building, entirely off-grid and home to the Weaving Shed Cafe. Its independence from the national grid makes it one of the most unique historic buildings in the UK.
Working on a building like Gibson Mill requires care, expertise, and a sympathetic approach. Every aspect of the project needed to respect the mill’s history and character, while still providing modern functionality. This approach is something we’ve always prioritised in our work with the National Trust, from rethatching historic cottages to other specialised maintenance projects.
For example, in 2024 we completed extensive work on thatched roofs at White Cottage, Tudor Cottage, and 1 & 2 Fir Tree Cottage, replacing ridge tops with period-appropriate materials and techniques. Similarly, at Gibson Mill, the project demanded a nuanced balance of modern installation with preservation of historical integrity. We take pride in ensuring that each intervention, no matter how small, honours the building’s past while supporting its continued use for future generations.
Being trusted with such remarkable buildings is always an honour. Working on Gibson Mill allowed us to combine our technical skills with a genuine appreciation for heritage, contributing to the care and longevity of one of the National Trust’s most unusual and celebrated properties.
If your project involves historical features, unusual requirements, or buildings needing either traditional or specialist techniques, B&E Boys have the experience and respect for history to ensure your property is in safe hands.