Hartford Cotton Mill - Oldham
Hartford Cotton Mill in Oldham was built in 1907, Its a typical red brick spinning mill of a type that
made Lancashire famous as the cotton spinning capital of the world.
The mill was expanded in 1920 and again in 1924, power was provided by a 1500hp Urmson &
Thompson steam engine, capable of driving 120,000 spindles. Following the depression of the
1930's demand for cotton slumped causing factory closures and many workers to leave the industry.
During the second world war there was a brief reprive as the cotton industry produced fabrics for
war use, but by the mid 1950's the industry again in trouble as increased compentition from
overseas sent the industry into a long slow decline. Hartford ended production in 1959.
The mill was reused by the retailer Littlewoods who used the buildings for distribution up until
1992. The buildings have been derelict since then and have been badly vandalised and there
have been several fires. Not much remains of the mills prodction equipment now and despite
being grade 2 listed it seems likely Hartford will be demolished to build another bland housing estate
Visted solo cos I'm an impatient bugger, although I think i'll be back again soon
Typical lovely red brick exterior
The back of the mill, best not stay too long as it backs onto a school and t's playtime..
a nice little pano showing the scope of each floor
I really love the way the light falls through the tall windows
football related tagging, in reference to Manchester United 20th league title methinks
Onwards and upwards, with a nice feature window along the way
Up onto the top floor, and wait...who stole the roof ?
This wrought iron staircase runs the entire height of the mill, and is a right deathtrap
But it's worth the climb for..this !
A nice little view over Oldham, if there is such a thing ?
Electricals and lift machinery, turned into a pigeon hatchery
The view are great from up here..I'll have to take a few beers next time
Sometimes the unexpected explores turn out to be the best, and this was a decent way to kill an hour or two
Cheers for looking
Hartford Cotton Mill in Oldham was built in 1907, Its a typical red brick spinning mill of a type that
made Lancashire famous as the cotton spinning capital of the world.
The mill was expanded in 1920 and again in 1924, power was provided by a 1500hp Urmson &
Thompson steam engine, capable of driving 120,000 spindles. Following the depression of the
1930's demand for cotton slumped causing factory closures and many workers to leave the industry.
During the second world war there was a brief reprive as the cotton industry produced fabrics for
war use, but by the mid 1950's the industry again in trouble as increased compentition from
overseas sent the industry into a long slow decline. Hartford ended production in 1959.
The mill was reused by the retailer Littlewoods who used the buildings for distribution up until
1992. The buildings have been derelict since then and have been badly vandalised and there
have been several fires. Not much remains of the mills prodction equipment now and despite
being grade 2 listed it seems likely Hartford will be demolished to build another bland housing estate
Visted solo cos I'm an impatient bugger, although I think i'll be back again soon
Typical lovely red brick exterior
The back of the mill, best not stay too long as it backs onto a school and t's playtime..
a nice little pano showing the scope of each floor
I really love the way the light falls through the tall windows
football related tagging, in reference to Manchester United 20th league title methinks
Onwards and upwards, with a nice feature window along the way
Up onto the top floor, and wait...who stole the roof ?
This wrought iron staircase runs the entire height of the mill, and is a right deathtrap
But it's worth the climb for..this !
A nice little view over Oldham, if there is such a thing ?
Electricals and lift machinery, turned into a pigeon hatchery
The view are great from up here..I'll have to take a few beers next time
Sometimes the unexpected explores turn out to be the best, and this was a decent way to kill an hour or two
Cheers for looking
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