PRN13488 The site was a large yard with buildings around it. One building survives externally unchanged and another survives partially while the former office has been converted to a house and a hairdresser's. Houses were built over about 10% of the site in the 1880s and a modern factory constructed over part of the yard in the 1960s. A windmill on the site was demolished in the 1880s. Engineering began in about 1826 around the tower mill which was on the site. It developed into a major firm with international trade. Tuxford's closed in 1887; Collet and Company continued to use the site until about 1895. It later became a pillow factory which now uses artificial fibres as well as feathers. The cap and other machinery from the windmill were taken to Heckington in about 1887. {1}{2}{3}{4}{5}{6}{8} The iron foundry was built and run by William Tuxford and his sons. In 1842 it produced the first set of portable threshing machine and steam engine. The firm also exported portable and traction engines worldwide. {7} A very detailed account of the foundation, development and decline of Tuxford and Sons and their premises is given in the Lincolnshire History and Archaeology journal vol.38. {9}