Snugborough

Nestled near the bustling village of Union Mills, lies Snugborough Trading Estate. Snugborough isn’t just a name on a map. It’s a piece of living history, interwoven with the story of Union Mills itself. Originally, this area was dominated by mills. The name “Union Mills” even comes from the merging of a corn mill and a cloth mill in 1807 by William Kelly. Imagine the clatter of machinery and the bustle of workers, a stark contrast to the quiet hum of the trading estate today. Snugborough witnessed this transformation. It saw the mills rise and eventually fall silent. The area evolved, adapting to the changing times, becoming the Snugborough Trading Estate we see now. But the echoes of the past still resonate here, a reminder of the industry that once shaped this place. Just a stone’s throw from Snugborough, you’ll find the Union Mills Memorial Hall. This hall stands as a solemn tribute to John Dalrymple Maitland, lost in the trenches of World War I. His father, Dalrymple Maitland, served as Speaker of the House of Keys and lived in Union Mills. The story of this family adds another layer to the rich tapestry of Snugborough. It reminds us that this place isn’t just about industry and commerce, but about the lives lived and the losses mourned within this community. So, as you stand near Snugborough, take a moment to appreciate its quiet strength. It’s a place that has seen change, borne witness to history, and continues to evolve, carrying the stories of Union Mills within its very foundations.