| Administrative History | The Hanging Bridge Mills based in Ashbourne was the former home of a former cotton mill built in 1784 by Anthony Bradley and partners who went bankrupt in 1799. Bowmer Bond Narrow Fabrics was established there in 1795 but they later located to Alrewas Mills, Ashbourne and were entered in Kelly's Directories of 1928, 1936 and 1941 at this address. At these dates they were entered in the Directories as M. Bond & Co. They manufactured woven tapes, webbings and fancy bindings. These fabrics were used in a wide range of materials such as hospital clothing, surgical dressings and appliances, caps, aprons and a whole range of other products. They served a large and diverse market. The machinery for producing the narrow fabrics was claimed to be the most advanced in Europe. Their many customers included industrial, commercial and government departments. In October 1938 it became a Limited Company. |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited by the Bond and Co., Alrewas Mills, Ashbourne in May 1977. |