Report - Stanley Mills - September 2012

[Zotez]

Firstly, a little history courtesy of someone else's report:

Construction of the current mill building begun in 1812, with the main building completed in 1813. However, there is evidence that textile manufacture has been located on the site since the 12th century. When complete, it was sold to Harris and Maclean for £8,655. Various extensions were built, including a long two storey building in 1815. It was originally powered by no less than five huge water wheels, with a small steam engine being added in 1824, but in the summer of 1834 the supply of water to the wheels was so irregular that the mill could not operate efficiently. By 1839, the steam engine had been increased to 50hp, and it was sold to Nathaniel Marling for £27,000. Marling's is a company still making carpets on site today, although in more modern outbuildings.

And some modern day information:

A 200-year-old textiles mill in Stonehouse - which has been described as 'one of the key industrial sites in Britain' - could be converted into modern apartments.
The owners of Stanley Mill want to sell it for redevelopment as they can no longer afford the upkeep.
But conservationists say the grade one listed buildings should be protected from the plans.

Not onto our day..

Visited with True-British-Metal and a non member, this place was a tough nut to crack! We tried EVERYWHERE before finding access to the main part of the mill but it was oh so worth it! I personally think the "auxiliary" parts of the mill are just as interesting as the parts with the fancy architecture and unfortunately the spinning room was well and truly locked. Part of the main building is still in use so sneaking around was a must!

And the fancy part:

And a view from the roof:

And finally, TBM trying not to fall in the canal (this is not the access point)

I hope you enjoyed my report, comments welcome.​