Pipes

This row of pipes on the side of an old mill building is interesting. I haven't been inside but I deduce that behind the wall on which they are fixed will be a weaving shed.  That will have (or have had) a "north-light roof" a zig zag structure designed to give plenty of natural light for the weavers to see what they are doing without too much heat. The pipes will have helped to drain rainwater from the troughs in the roof. 

I have checked a satellite photo on Google Maps which confirms my theory, shown in the extra.