Our History

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The front of Manchester House (c. 1890-1944). Photo commissioned by Percy Inman. View the source.

Genesis

In 1265, a corn mill stood opposite the future site of the Village Store.

Around 1805, Richard and William Calvert converted the mill into a three-story cotton mill, powered by a four-horsepower water wheel, which operated until 1856 when it was demolished.

The Village Store was built in 1876 by William Inman, using stone from the demolished mill.

The front of Manchester House and Mill Bridge (c. 1890-1944). Photo commissioned by Percy Inman. View the source.

The turbine house, installed under the leadership of Percy Inman (c. 1890-1944). Photo commissioned by Percy Inman. View the source.

Hydroelectricity in Kettlewell

In 1913, Percy Inman founded The Kettlewell Electricity Supply Company Limited, bringing electricity to the village. Under the leadership of the Kettlewell Village Store's postmaster, the initiative to introduce hydroelectric power culminated in August 1913, making Kettlewell the smallest village in the country to have electricity.

'Uncle' Percy Inman

Inman never had any children of his own. However, he would often gift sweets to around 30 children of the village, his wife was interviewed by The Liverpool Echo

"Mrs. Inman said he used to give sweets to the Children who came to his shop."

In his will, he left:

• £200 to Kettlewell Church for a stained glass window
• £50 similarly to Conistone Church
• £50 to Kettlewell Village Hall for an endowment fund
• £1 to each of the children under 14 living in the village.