The Big Mill Leek or Wardle & Davenport Ltd is in Staffordshire Built in 1857 by the famous Victorian architect William sugden, originally built for Lovatt and Goulding but later became Wardle and Davenport.The firm Wardle and Davenport was formed in 1867 with the partnership between Henry wardle and George davenport over many years they ran many successful business's employing up to 2500 people by the 1960's the company was suffering great losses and by 1970 they went into receivership, they also pioneered the way forward in artificial silk stockings, the building is currently under redevelopment other mills in the area have been redeveloped , work seems to have stopped on this site for the time been.
Met up with stopford_lad and Tom Sherman in town for a ride up to Leek. Arrived just short of puking everywhere (motion sickness) and freezing due to having the windows open. Sorry guys lol.
Had a scoot round and found a way in after a few minutes. It wasn't immediately obvious and wasn't at all graceful.
Inside, there were signs that it was an active site. Hard hats and construction materials in various places. We worked our way up, getting some decent shots on each floor, before making our way through the dead pigeon filled 'loft' and out onto the roof. Probably wasn't the safest idea I've ever had, I could feel it bending as I made my way across it. The visit was cut short when Tom heard some guy yelling at the top of his lungs for us to get off the roof.
All in all a good explore, albeit a bit short. A return visit is definitely on the cards.
Here's the photos - hope you guys enjoy em.
UGH.
Met up with stopford_lad and Tom Sherman in town for a ride up to Leek. Arrived just short of puking everywhere (motion sickness) and freezing due to having the windows open. Sorry guys lol.
Had a scoot round and found a way in after a few minutes. It wasn't immediately obvious and wasn't at all graceful.
Inside, there were signs that it was an active site. Hard hats and construction materials in various places. We worked our way up, getting some decent shots on each floor, before making our way through the dead pigeon filled 'loft' and out onto the roof. Probably wasn't the safest idea I've ever had, I could feel it bending as I made my way across it. The visit was cut short when Tom heard some guy yelling at the top of his lungs for us to get off the roof.
All in all a good explore, albeit a bit short. A return visit is definitely on the cards.
Here's the photos - hope you guys enjoy em.
UGH.
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