Burnley Wood Mill (Red Rose Plastics),on Oxford Road and Parliament Road, (the one where the chimney was protuding through the roof), was the scene of the "cotton riots." On The 14th May,1878 a mob marched through in a great disorder, to Kay's Mill, as it was then known, and began to smash the windows. At ten past six, that evening the Town Clerk, whose face was cut by a stone thrown at him, read the Riot Act. As the crowd refused to disperse, the police used batons. At eight o'clock that evening, the warehouse was set alight and the crowd prevented the firemen from approaching the blaze until nine thirty that evening. When the troops were called in. The crowd then surged up Oxford Road and Hufling Lane to Towneley Villa in Brooklands Road, MR. Kay's residence, where more windows were brokern. The rioting continued the following day and the Riot Act was read again. Soldiers and police were brought from other towns but fortunately their services were not required.

Elley B.W.C.A.G