Great Harwood's Towngate clock tower was built by public subscription in 1903 to honour a local chemist whose invention is still used on cotton fabric worldwide.
The man who invented mercerising
John Mercer was born at Dean, Great Harwood, in 1791 and went on to develop mercerisation — the chemical process, still named after him, that strengthens cotton fibres and gives them a slight sheen. The Mercer Memorial Clock Tower, funded by public subscription, opened in Towngate in June 1903 and still stands as the town's best-known landmark.
A town that outgrew its looms
Great Harwood's growth came from cotton weaving: by 1912 there were more looms in the town than people, and by 1919 twenty-two textile mills had been built. The town hall followed in 1900, part of the same wave of civic building that paid for the clock tower three years later.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Great Harwood's history is bound up in looms and cotton chemistry, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of Lancashire and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Great Harwood and the rest of Lancashire included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Great Harwood?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Who was John Mercer, and why does Great Harwood have a clock tower for him?
John Mercer, born in Dean, Great Harwood in 1791, invented mercerisation. The Mercer Memorial Clock Tower in Towngate opened in June 1903.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Great Harwood?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Great Harwood addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.