Beal's Linen Mill
The linen trade played a pivotal role in the social and economic development of Passau. The manufacture of linen was the catalyst that allowed it to grow from a town into the region's pre-eminent city. It grew most rapidly during the late 1700’s and early 1800’s – by the end of the 19th century Passau was one of the largest linen producers in the world.
One of the largest producers of linen in Passau was Beal’s. Founded in 1728 by Daniel Beal it grew to become one of the most important and largest linen manufacturers in the world. Located on the western bank of the Carrick River on what was originally farmland it grew over the years and at its peak was the largest mill in Perseus.
Despite the development of the city around the site production at Beal’s continued unabated until the general decline of the Persusian linen industry in the 1950’s. The majority of the mill buildings were demolished and the land redeveloped for light industrial use. Not all of the original mill buildings were demolished however and in 1990 after many years of dereliction the last remaining buildings were given protected status and restoration commenced, conservationists were also able to save the last remaining chimney.
The conservation project included the restoration of the buildings and their conversion into a range of uses including a linen heritage centre, offices, cultural space and a hotel. The area also benefitted from the construction of new riverside walls and walkways as part of the city’s river enhancement and flood protection programme. The new complex opened in 1997 and was subsequently updated again in 2010. The complex is managed by the Beal’s Mill Preservation Trust and is one of a handful of restored mills across the city.
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