The Tone Works site was one part of a wider complex owned and operated by Fox Brothers & Co. Ltd., one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of woollen and worsted garments in the South West. The original corn mill, which once stood on the banks of the River Tone, was acquired by Quaker businessman Thomas Fox in 1796, who turned it into the finishing works for a business which, at its height, employed 5,000 people.
The site is a fascinating snapshot of Wellington's changing history, with more buildings being added over time as water power gave way to steam and eventually electrical power. By the time it was granted listed status in the late-1990s - Grade II*, to be precise - the Tone Works site remained in active use, with a complete set of historical machinery being retained.
The building closed its doors for good in 2000, and while the machinery remains in place, much of the site fell into disrepair over the following decades, earning it a place on Heritage England's 'at risk' register.
There is ongoing restoration work but much of the site is open to the elements and rotting away.
The explore
We went into this one not knowing anything about it as ide just happened to notice it while browsing google maps on way the the larger nearby tonedale mill and as it was close by we decided it was worth a look, we almost didn't as it was very hot and both of us were exhausted (i tend to explore in what resembles an army thermal top) as its good at stopping brambles, and yes even in this heatwave i was wearing it 😂 but we thought if it's fairly easy to get in we will give it a go, so we did a drive by to confirm what was there as google maps often out of date and we turn up to a new housing estate 🙄 then stopped at a local pub for a bite to eat and a rest before trying it.
I eventually found a way inside wasn't sure my partner would get in but after realising the debris I squeezed round could be moved i gave him a call to come on round.
We was immediately surprised by what was inside, going into an explore like this without even seeing a picture beforehand made it so much better you get the full wow factor 🤩with all the gears and wheels towering over you.
You would think they could move the wagon's to a dry sheltered area seems a shame they slowly rotting away
The once massive water wheel now in a sorry looking state
At first I thought this was some sort of steam roller vehicle
Some evidence of the restoration works new roofing up
Spent a few minutes figuring out what wheels would of been connected with the belts must of been a maze inside ducking all of them while wheels spinning all around you
Its not often you still see wooden equipment still in tact on an explore
You can see the Tonedale mill in the background not often you can get two explores in one photo
This was a great explore gose to show always have a look on google maps when visiting an area you never know what you will find.
Thanks for looking
The site is a fascinating snapshot of Wellington's changing history, with more buildings being added over time as water power gave way to steam and eventually electrical power. By the time it was granted listed status in the late-1990s - Grade II*, to be precise - the Tone Works site remained in active use, with a complete set of historical machinery being retained.
The building closed its doors for good in 2000, and while the machinery remains in place, much of the site fell into disrepair over the following decades, earning it a place on Heritage England's 'at risk' register.
There is ongoing restoration work but much of the site is open to the elements and rotting away.
The explore
We went into this one not knowing anything about it as ide just happened to notice it while browsing google maps on way the the larger nearby tonedale mill and as it was close by we decided it was worth a look, we almost didn't as it was very hot and both of us were exhausted (i tend to explore in what resembles an army thermal top) as its good at stopping brambles, and yes even in this heatwave i was wearing it 😂 but we thought if it's fairly easy to get in we will give it a go, so we did a drive by to confirm what was there as google maps often out of date and we turn up to a new housing estate 🙄 then stopped at a local pub for a bite to eat and a rest before trying it.
I eventually found a way inside wasn't sure my partner would get in but after realising the debris I squeezed round could be moved i gave him a call to come on round.
We was immediately surprised by what was inside, going into an explore like this without even seeing a picture beforehand made it so much better you get the full wow factor 🤩with all the gears and wheels towering over you.
The once massive water wheel now in a sorry looking state
At first I thought this was some sort of steam roller vehicle
Some evidence of the restoration works new roofing up
Spent a few minutes figuring out what wheels would of been connected with the belts must of been a maze inside ducking all of them while wheels spinning all around you
Its not often you still see wooden equipment still in tact on an explore
You can see the Tonedale mill in the background not often you can get two explores in one photo
This was a great explore gose to show always have a look on google maps when visiting an area you never know what you will find.
Thanks for looking
