About Us

Abimelech Hainsworth

Towards the latter half of the 1700's, the flying shuttle, the spinning jenny and the carding engine were among the many splendid inventions which started the industrial revolution in the North of England. In the Yorkshire village of Farsley, Cape Mill's first tenant was Abimelech Hainsworth who had been in the cloth making business since 1783. 'Old Bim' also known as 'T'auld Maister' was a power in Farsley. He ran the mills jointly with two sons for scribbling, spinning & finishing and kept half the village weaving in their homes.

From the beginning he specialised in the highest quality uniform cloths for armies at home and abroad. Fighting men of George III crossed the seas wearing Abimelech's Yorkshire cloth and Hainsworth uniform cloths went to Trafalgar, the Battle of Waterloo, the Crimea, South Africa in the Boer War and to the two World Wars. In 1882 production was moved a mile up the valley to Stanningley by Abimelech William Hainsworth, 'Old Bim's' grandson. The mill is still situated there today.

Today Abimelech Hainsworth is the fine cloth merchanting arm of the Hainsworth Group. Specialising in the supply of 100% woollen and worsted fabrics, these materials are offered in cut lengths or pieces from a stock support system with a prompt delivery service.

With our comprehensive in-house technical and laboratory dye facilities and a wealth of experience, we possess the know-how to offer expert product advice and assistance in all areas of woolen and worsted fabrics.