Footage shows rare bird's-eye view of India Mill in Darwen

In the footage, shared by Darwen drone expert Graham Woods, viewers are taken to dizzying heights for a rarely-seen view of the top of the mill.

The top of the chimney appears to have collapsed and there appears to be a large hole in the top.

A spokesperson for the iconic building, which dates back to the 1800s, said they are aware of the damage adding it will be assessed in the coming days.

They also said the damage appears to be to the wooden chimney cap, which is not part of the actual chimney fabric, placed there to prevent the internal flue from being exposed to the elements. 

The chimney, at the top of the historic India Mill, in Darwen, appears to be damaged (Image: Graham Woods)

A spokesperson for India Mill said: “At the end of last week we became aware that there is some damage to the wooden chimney cap on the chimney at the India Mill. 

“The cap is not part of the actual chimney fabric, which remains intact, and was placed there to prevent the internal flue from being exposed to the weather. 

“We regularly inspect the chimney and have commissioned a drone survey which is due to take place in the coming days in order to assess both what has happened and what remediation is required.”

The ornate chimney is 303-foot tall and was designed to resemble an Italian bell tower.

Work on the mill, the dream of textile businessman Eccles Shorrock, began in 1859. It opened in 1968 but machinery was not installed until 1871.

The mill was named after the India Cotton that was woven on its looms.

The mill operated until spinning ceased in 1991. It now exists as a grade-II listed building and business centre, providing office space for a variety of companies.

Watch the full video by visiting YouTube.com and searching 'Darwen India Mill Chimney Collapses At The Top' on Graham Woods' channel.