Crabtree Forge, Eva Brothers, Crabtree Lane
Welcome to my first report! I explored Crabtree Forge on Crabtree Lane, Clayton, Manchester.
In 1909, five brothers (James, Arthur, Frank, Victor and Archibald William) started a drop forging business that supplied tools for the cotton industry in Manchester. Crabtree Forge was a traditional Forge specialising in the forging of stainless steel, nickel and other alloys. Crabtree Forge was one of the last traditional forge works to remain in the area.
The piston con-rods for the Titanic were forged at this site. A connecting rod, also called a con-rod, is the part of a piston engine which connects the piston to the crankshaft. Together with the crank, the connecting rod converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotation of the crankshaft. The connecting rod is required to transmit the compressive and tensile forces from the piston. In its most common form, in an internal combustion engine, it allows pivoting on the piston end and rotation on the shaft end. A reciprocating engine, also often known as a piston engine, is typically a heat engine that uses one or more reciprocating pistons to convert high temperature and high pressure into a rotating motion.
For some time, the forge produces components for the locomotive industry, however, after the demise of Steam locomotives in the 1960s, traditional work slowed down. Instead, the company began focusing on the automotive industry, making car parts. In 1960, Eva Brothers changed its name to Eva Industries. The company eventually closed down in 2005, and trading ceased in 2013.
I have never heard of the drop forging technique so I decided to do some research. Drop forging is a process that uses a pair of impression dies and a heavy hammer to form and compress metal bars into complex shapes. A drop hammer, also known as a power hammer, is the equipment used in the drop forging process. An impression die is a mold that the metal is pressed into in order to create an impression. Drop hammers are mechanical- the weight and upper die are lifted by a belt or a chain and then dropped. This creates a large force that deforms the metal and hammers it into the desired shape. Power hammers are operated by hydraulics and are typically used for heavier production. The lower half of the forging die is fixed in position on the anvil, whereas the upper half is fixed onto a ram that moves up and down. The material is heated to the required temperature and then placed onto the lower forging die. The material is hammered until it completely fits the die cavity.
I am fascinated by massive industrial machinery and I find it incredibly interesting to see the pure industrial might of humanity. My fascination with industry has lead me to discover some incredible machines. For example, the 85 hammer located inside ATI Forged Products in Cudahy is an astonishing feat of engineering. The counterblow hammer weighs over one million pounds and it is five stories above ground and five stories below ground. Can you imagine the magnitude of the force that this hammer must generate? Its sheer size is almost unfathomable. The perpetual pounding, the smoke, the fire, the smell, the heat, the dirt; it’s wonderful. I find it difficult to comprehend the power of such machinery and the brilliance it takes to manufacture such machines. This power hammer has been pounding away since 1959. ATI works with the Department of Defence, the aerospace industry, mining industry and more. It was formerly known as ‘Ladish’ before the company was bought by ATI in 2011. The metal is heated to a high temperature and is then hammered to form components which are used in extreme environments such as jet engines, submarines and space craft.
Back to Eva brothers, the company was established in 1909 by five brothers. The business flourished and by 1953 they became the world’s largest Edge Tool makers, exporting most of their products. Associated companies included: Chillington Tool Co, Edward Elwell Limited of Wednesbury, A.W. Wills and Son Limited of Birmingham, John Yates and Co Limited of Birmingham, and the Phoenix Shovel Co Limited of Cradely Heath.
Manchester was a major powerhouse of heavy engineering. The financial foundations of the city were formed by the cotton and steel industries. Now, only an echo of this booming industry remains. The dilapidated buildings of Crabtree Forge, caressed by meandering brambles and smothered with snaking buddleia, are evidence of the once robust and bustling business. These industries have vanished, leaving nothing but a blotch on the landscape. A pile of rubble.
Now, onto the explore! I made a rather bold, daring, and quite frankly foolish decision to meet up with someone from the internet that I’ve never met before. Exploring abandoned buildings is accompanied by an element of risk and danger, however, coupling this with the risk of meeting a stranger from online is really quite dangerous. Initially, I didn’t even know where I was going. I had no idea who I was meeting. I wasn’t familiar with the area. It was my first time travelling into Manchester alone. It was such a big thrill. It was great to integrate myself back into humanity instead of hiding away and bed rotting. It was rather exhilarating and invigorating. The total of five hours of public transport also served as a great opportunity for some introspection (not good) and an existential crisis (really not good).
I had arranged to meet this person at 2pm, however, I am aware that public transport isn’t always the most reliable so therefore I set off early. I ended up arriving two hours early. This is unusual for me as I am almost always late, but I’m working on my time management. One extreme to another, hey? This is my first time planning a journey entirely on my own so I’ve learnt some valuable skills and significantly boosted my confidence! With two hours to spare, I searched for an entry point. The entrance was obvious and fairly accessible, it just required a little upper body strength (which I lack). Waiting for my exploring partner to arrive, I decided to go for a wander. I went on a little adventure and found myself in a local park. I sat on the swings for awhile and then went for a walk in a forest area. On my adventure, I made a friend!
I had been walking for about 30 minutes when my friend alerted me that they had set off. I made my way back to Crabtree Lane to meet them. I greeted this stranger with ‘wagwan my g’ followed by nervous laughter. I really need to socialise more. We traced the perimeter of the site to look for an easier entrance but couldn’t find one. I braved the climb and succeeded (it really shouldn’t have been that difficult, haha). Once on site, I immediately pulled out my phone to take pictures. I was captivated by the beautiful steelwork frame of the ceiling.
The electrical room was stripped. There was nothing left, which was a shame as I love electrical devices.
The site was littered with shopping carts. I would love to go shopping cart racing. Or just racing in general. I was a little disappointed with the state of the place, such as the overwhelming amount of litter and fly tipping.
I didn’t initially realise where I was until I recognised one of the buildings from a report. Eva Brothers. It was fun to piece everything together. It felt like I was solving a mystery and uncovering a forgotten history by traipsing through the piles of rubble. I am aware that Crabtree Forge is a very derpy place and there are plenty of reports on this forum about it, but I thought I could add a new perspective.
I engaged in conversation with my new exploring partner and we discussed our introductions to urbex. It was great to reminisce on the good times.
Once we had explored the entirety of the site, we went to the park and then walked along the canal. I should have a degree in yapology because I can’t shut up. After walking along the canal, I said goodbye to my new friend and decided to head into Manchester. It was brilliant to share my passion with a fellow explorer! It was strange being the most experienced person in this situation. The whole time, I could hear the narration of my former exploring partner in my head. I loved his enthusiasm and I envied his knowledge. He would explain the mechanics and operation of certain machines. He would identify components of machinery and use this to piece together the clues, building a picture of the place before the decay. I would love to adopt this skill.
When I went into Manchester, I browsed Affleck’s Palace and explored a few other shops. I finished my outing with a fashion show in the Urban Outfitters dressing room. I only had £3.70 so I just did some window shopping. It felt good to be part of a crowd again. I love talking to people. One of my favourite things is to compliment people and watch their eyes light up with pure joy. I met so many wonderful people today. The two hour journey home was torturous. After an exciting day, a wave of soul-crushing, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, world-destroying depression slams into me. Brilliant. When I got home, I refuelled and began to do some research to distract myself, and here I am now. I hope you enjoyed my report! Thank you for reading.
Here are my photos from the explore:
What was this?
Signing off 🫡
Welcome to my first report! I explored Crabtree Forge on Crabtree Lane, Clayton, Manchester.
In 1909, five brothers (James, Arthur, Frank, Victor and Archibald William) started a drop forging business that supplied tools for the cotton industry in Manchester. Crabtree Forge was a traditional Forge specialising in the forging of stainless steel, nickel and other alloys. Crabtree Forge was one of the last traditional forge works to remain in the area.
The piston con-rods for the Titanic were forged at this site. A connecting rod, also called a con-rod, is the part of a piston engine which connects the piston to the crankshaft. Together with the crank, the connecting rod converts the reciprocating motion of the piston into the rotation of the crankshaft. The connecting rod is required to transmit the compressive and tensile forces from the piston. In its most common form, in an internal combustion engine, it allows pivoting on the piston end and rotation on the shaft end. A reciprocating engine, also often known as a piston engine, is typically a heat engine that uses one or more reciprocating pistons to convert high temperature and high pressure into a rotating motion.
For some time, the forge produces components for the locomotive industry, however, after the demise of Steam locomotives in the 1960s, traditional work slowed down. Instead, the company began focusing on the automotive industry, making car parts. In 1960, Eva Brothers changed its name to Eva Industries. The company eventually closed down in 2005, and trading ceased in 2013.
I have never heard of the drop forging technique so I decided to do some research. Drop forging is a process that uses a pair of impression dies and a heavy hammer to form and compress metal bars into complex shapes. A drop hammer, also known as a power hammer, is the equipment used in the drop forging process. An impression die is a mold that the metal is pressed into in order to create an impression. Drop hammers are mechanical- the weight and upper die are lifted by a belt or a chain and then dropped. This creates a large force that deforms the metal and hammers it into the desired shape. Power hammers are operated by hydraulics and are typically used for heavier production. The lower half of the forging die is fixed in position on the anvil, whereas the upper half is fixed onto a ram that moves up and down. The material is heated to the required temperature and then placed onto the lower forging die. The material is hammered until it completely fits the die cavity.
I am fascinated by massive industrial machinery and I find it incredibly interesting to see the pure industrial might of humanity. My fascination with industry has lead me to discover some incredible machines. For example, the 85 hammer located inside ATI Forged Products in Cudahy is an astonishing feat of engineering. The counterblow hammer weighs over one million pounds and it is five stories above ground and five stories below ground. Can you imagine the magnitude of the force that this hammer must generate? Its sheer size is almost unfathomable. The perpetual pounding, the smoke, the fire, the smell, the heat, the dirt; it’s wonderful. I find it difficult to comprehend the power of such machinery and the brilliance it takes to manufacture such machines. This power hammer has been pounding away since 1959. ATI works with the Department of Defence, the aerospace industry, mining industry and more. It was formerly known as ‘Ladish’ before the company was bought by ATI in 2011. The metal is heated to a high temperature and is then hammered to form components which are used in extreme environments such as jet engines, submarines and space craft.
Back to Eva brothers, the company was established in 1909 by five brothers. The business flourished and by 1953 they became the world’s largest Edge Tool makers, exporting most of their products. Associated companies included: Chillington Tool Co, Edward Elwell Limited of Wednesbury, A.W. Wills and Son Limited of Birmingham, John Yates and Co Limited of Birmingham, and the Phoenix Shovel Co Limited of Cradely Heath.
Manchester was a major powerhouse of heavy engineering. The financial foundations of the city were formed by the cotton and steel industries. Now, only an echo of this booming industry remains. The dilapidated buildings of Crabtree Forge, caressed by meandering brambles and smothered with snaking buddleia, are evidence of the once robust and bustling business. These industries have vanished, leaving nothing but a blotch on the landscape. A pile of rubble.
Now, onto the explore! I made a rather bold, daring, and quite frankly foolish decision to meet up with someone from the internet that I’ve never met before. Exploring abandoned buildings is accompanied by an element of risk and danger, however, coupling this with the risk of meeting a stranger from online is really quite dangerous. Initially, I didn’t even know where I was going. I had no idea who I was meeting. I wasn’t familiar with the area. It was my first time travelling into Manchester alone. It was such a big thrill. It was great to integrate myself back into humanity instead of hiding away and bed rotting. It was rather exhilarating and invigorating. The total of five hours of public transport also served as a great opportunity for some introspection (not good) and an existential crisis (really not good).
I had arranged to meet this person at 2pm, however, I am aware that public transport isn’t always the most reliable so therefore I set off early. I ended up arriving two hours early. This is unusual for me as I am almost always late, but I’m working on my time management. One extreme to another, hey? This is my first time planning a journey entirely on my own so I’ve learnt some valuable skills and significantly boosted my confidence! With two hours to spare, I searched for an entry point. The entrance was obvious and fairly accessible, it just required a little upper body strength (which I lack). Waiting for my exploring partner to arrive, I decided to go for a wander. I went on a little adventure and found myself in a local park. I sat on the swings for awhile and then went for a walk in a forest area. On my adventure, I made a friend!
I had been walking for about 30 minutes when my friend alerted me that they had set off. I made my way back to Crabtree Lane to meet them. I greeted this stranger with ‘wagwan my g’ followed by nervous laughter. I really need to socialise more. We traced the perimeter of the site to look for an easier entrance but couldn’t find one. I braved the climb and succeeded (it really shouldn’t have been that difficult, haha). Once on site, I immediately pulled out my phone to take pictures. I was captivated by the beautiful steelwork frame of the ceiling.
The electrical room was stripped. There was nothing left, which was a shame as I love electrical devices.
The site was littered with shopping carts. I would love to go shopping cart racing. Or just racing in general. I was a little disappointed with the state of the place, such as the overwhelming amount of litter and fly tipping.
I didn’t initially realise where I was until I recognised one of the buildings from a report. Eva Brothers. It was fun to piece everything together. It felt like I was solving a mystery and uncovering a forgotten history by traipsing through the piles of rubble. I am aware that Crabtree Forge is a very derpy place and there are plenty of reports on this forum about it, but I thought I could add a new perspective.
I engaged in conversation with my new exploring partner and we discussed our introductions to urbex. It was great to reminisce on the good times.
Once we had explored the entirety of the site, we went to the park and then walked along the canal. I should have a degree in yapology because I can’t shut up. After walking along the canal, I said goodbye to my new friend and decided to head into Manchester. It was brilliant to share my passion with a fellow explorer! It was strange being the most experienced person in this situation. The whole time, I could hear the narration of my former exploring partner in my head. I loved his enthusiasm and I envied his knowledge. He would explain the mechanics and operation of certain machines. He would identify components of machinery and use this to piece together the clues, building a picture of the place before the decay. I would love to adopt this skill.
When I went into Manchester, I browsed Affleck’s Palace and explored a few other shops. I finished my outing with a fashion show in the Urban Outfitters dressing room. I only had £3.70 so I just did some window shopping. It felt good to be part of a crowd again. I love talking to people. One of my favourite things is to compliment people and watch their eyes light up with pure joy. I met so many wonderful people today. The two hour journey home was torturous. After an exciting day, a wave of soul-crushing, gut-wrenching, heartbreaking, world-destroying depression slams into me. Brilliant. When I got home, I refuelled and began to do some research to distract myself, and here I am now. I hope you enjoyed my report! Thank you for reading.
Here are my photos from the explore:
What was this?
Signing off 🫡
