A gripping historical drama, praised as "addictive" and "compelling," is currently available to stream at no cost on Channel 4. The Mill, a period piece set in 1830s Cheshire, draws on the real-life experiences of textile workers at Quarry Bank Mill.
What is The Mill About?
Developed by Emily Dalton using archives from the National Trust Property, the series blends historical records with fictional characters. The first series, written by John Fay, is set during the Industrial Revolution in the 1830s, while the second and final series, broadcast in 2014, spans 1838 to 1842. Unfortunately, Channel 4 cancelled the show after two series, leaving the story unfinished.
According to the official synopsis, The Mill "tells the story of life in Quarry Bank Mill in Cheshire during the 1830s through the eyes of central characters, Esther Price and Daniel Bate." Esther, played by Kerrie Hayes, is a young millworker who risks her position to fight for justice. Daniel, portrayed by Matthew McNulty, is a progressive engineer with a troubled past.
Filming Locations
Exterior shots were captured at Quarry Bank Mill, Chester city centre, and Chester Crown Court. Interior scenes were filmed in Manchester because the real mill could not be easily converted from its museum function. Additional filming took place in the picturesque Cheshire village of Styal.
Cast and Reception
Alongside Hayes and McNulty, the cast includes Donald Sumpter, Barbara Marten, Andrew Lee Potts, Katherine Rose Morley, Holly Lucas, Sacha Parkinson, and Sope Dirisu. The series has garnered glowing reviews on social media and IMDb. One viewer called it "addictive and compelling," while another praised it as "a brilliant and very gritty drama." A third noted, "The Mill is a captivating historical series illustrating the draconian conditions experienced by the working classes." Many fans expressed disappointment that there are no further seasons.
The Mill is available to stream now on Channel 4.
