Simpson and Godlee Limited

Simpson and Godlee Limited, cotton manufacturers and calico printers, was founded in 1881, when Francis Godlee joined his relative William Simpson in business at Dean’s Mill, Swinton. Dean’s Mill operated 440 looms, producing its own cloth for printed furnishing and dress fabrics, including damasks. By 1891, the company had offices and warehouses in central Manchester, including at 8 Minshull Street. By 1900, the company employed around 1,500 people. In 1905, Simpson and Godlee acquired the Know Mill Printing Company Limited which had mills at Know Mill Works in Entwistle, Bolton and at Bevis Green Works in Walmersley, Bury. William Simpson died in 1914 and Francis Godlee became the chairman of the company. Francis Godlee expanded the business and maintained its output during the First World War. On his retirement in 1924, he handed the chairmanship to his nephew Philip Godlee. Under Philip Godlee’s management, the company marketed their textiles under the trademarks Bevis, Gazelle, Rockfast and Judy.

Simpson and Godlee Limited was bought by Alliance Brothers Limited in 1962, known as David Alliance & Sons Limited from 1969. Simpson and Godlee initially continued to trade under their own name, but their sites were closed soon after the takeover by Alliance Brothers Limited.

The company was recognised as being a well-managed manufacturer and an employer that showed consideration to the needs of its workforce.