Backbarrow derives its name from the large hill known as Barrow Hill and as it was at the back of this hill it became known as Backbarrow. The Leven valley was not always as idyllic as it appears today. Many years ago it was home to Iron Making, Cotton and Ultra Marine production.

The location of the Backbarrow mill had been an important industrial site for several hundred years each industry in turn using water power from the river Leven to drive its machinery.