The Eskdale Mill was constructed by Langholm-born Thomas Lightbody (1819-1896) in 1866, as a relatively small operation, shown below with a red X. The much larger operations of the Waverley and Buccleuch Mills are in the foreground.

The photo below shows Eskdale Mill on the right at the rear, before Waverley Mill (centre) was expanded and the Caroline Street terraced houses were built.

Thomas Lightbody was married to Helen Reid (1819-1894), the sister of Alexander Reid of Reid & Taylor. His sons William (1853-1883) and David (1860-1916) joined him in the business, but William died at age 30.

On his father’s death, David took over the mill and lived in The Glen, a house overlooking the town. He was captain of Langholm Golf Club in 1900-1902. His sons Thomas (1892-1972) and Arthur (1898-1962) joined him in the business, although Thomas left to become a farmer in 1920.

Arthur married Helene Pullinger from France in Dumfries in 1922. Three years later, Helene’s sister May married Willie Bell, son of Major Edward Bell, owner of the Buccleuch Mill.

Eskdale Mill failed in 1927 and Arthur and Helene moved to Southampton where they ran a hotel called The Langholm.