I’d been looking into some interesting places to explore around Lancashire and I came across Brock Mill in Wigan. I wasn’t able to fine too much about its recent history. It was clear the last owners were Potter’s Herbal Medicines which started in 1812 as a family company and is now owned by a Swiss drugs giant (Galenica). They were definitely operating out off of Leyland Mill lane in at least 2004, but it possibly looks like they moved out around 2006 when they took a lease out on a new area, their current location in Marsh Green. The general state inside the building suggested it had been abandoned for a few years.
The history on this site near the river Douglas dates back to at least the C18th. There was a forge here that had links with the Haigh Foundry. There was a water mill and it appears that the site processed scrap metal to make engines such as for the fire brigade, other heavy engines and architectural castings throughout the C19th. It seems it was part of a big network, but slowly over time the demand for iron in the late C19th century led to the site being closed in Jan 1885 and then in 1919 the local railway also closed.
Housing developments have been built over the area, it would be nice to find an old map to see which of the mills the site I visited actually represents and figure out how old some of these buildings here actually are.
I had a really good time here. Very enjoyable couple of hours where I took way too many photos. I have tried to edit it now, but appologies if it is a bit photo heavy.
Below are the pictures of my exploration around the place:
Inside had become home to the birds for a while
Some areas in larger states of ruin then others
Some cool history from the last owners
Hmmmm...
This is probably my favourite photo I've taken. The rust and cobwebs on the chain show how its aged, but it's still strong. I can feel the abandonedness of the place, yet I feel a lot of character here as well.
The view from the window
Industry and nature now living together
Thanks for having a look. I hope you enjoy the report.
The history on this site near the river Douglas dates back to at least the C18th. There was a forge here that had links with the Haigh Foundry. There was a water mill and it appears that the site processed scrap metal to make engines such as for the fire brigade, other heavy engines and architectural castings throughout the C19th. It seems it was part of a big network, but slowly over time the demand for iron in the late C19th century led to the site being closed in Jan 1885 and then in 1919 the local railway also closed.
Housing developments have been built over the area, it would be nice to find an old map to see which of the mills the site I visited actually represents and figure out how old some of these buildings here actually are.
I had a really good time here. Very enjoyable couple of hours where I took way too many photos. I have tried to edit it now, but appologies if it is a bit photo heavy.
Below are the pictures of my exploration around the place:
Inside had become home to the birds for a while
Some areas in larger states of ruin then others
Some cool history from the last owners
Hmmmm...
This is probably my favourite photo I've taken. The rust and cobwebs on the chain show how its aged, but it's still strong. I can feel the abandonedness of the place, yet I feel a lot of character here as well.
The view from the window
Industry and nature now living together
Thanks for having a look. I hope you enjoy the report.