james.s
Well-known member
Thorntons bought Castle Factory, near Belper, in Derbyshire, an old mill which had been used by Rolls Royce to store aircraft engines during the war, and before that had been a music-hall, and in 1947 began to manufacture boiled sweets there.
Former Thorntons Factory at Belper
This is the former Thorntons chocolates factory in Belper. The business was relocated to new premises at Alfreton in 1999 although the name is still closely associated with its original home in Belper where it provided employment for many local people.
I visited this factory with LIO112, it is largely stripped, as much of the epuipment went to Alfreton when the factory moved, there is still plenty to see however, but you will probably struggle to see it, as access is a little challenging
It is very decayed inside, with the older former Rolls-Royce parts being particularly hazardous, wth rotten floors, I even fell through one of them, but was unharmed, fortunately. It did actually smell of chcoloate, a sort of musty rum-truffle smell for those who are curious.
Here are the pictures:
The Modern Part
Former Rolls-Royce Part
Typical Modern Factory Floor
Typical Older Room
Goods Lift
Roller Table
Unopened Christmas Mail
Decaying Main Stairs
Heating
Personal Belongings Still In Locker Room
Hygiene Is Paramount
Power Management
Ventilation
On The Rooftop
Thanks For Looking
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