This place was one of my better finds from last year. On the face of it a pretty stripped out site and possibly borderline 'bread and butter' exploring but for me theres two things that make it stand out as a special place. For one its history. Built in 1875 it was originally an engine works owned by W.G. Bagnell and produced small standard and narrow gauge, 4 and 6 couple locomotives for use in industry and mining. Bagnells continued right the way through until 1962 when they were taken over by English Electric and then of course became part of GEC. Exactly when they stopped making trains im not too sure but in recent times the buildings were reused as part of the adjacent college campus, a small foundry and various other small firms.
However! this reused has only really marginally impacted on the feel of the place. The second reason i like the place is simply because it is so old fashioned inside. It has all the classic features of old industry, vitreous enamel, cast iron, big sheds and overhead cranes. Its one of those ' getting thin on the ground' type places!
Apologies for the late post. There were a few buildings we had not explored until recently so i was holding onto it. Its pretty wide open now and plenty of evidence of piking. Demolition was scheduled for January but its still there if you want to look, for how long i dont really know!
However! this reused has only really marginally impacted on the feel of the place. The second reason i like the place is simply because it is so old fashioned inside. It has all the classic features of old industry, vitreous enamel, cast iron, big sheds and overhead cranes. Its one of those ' getting thin on the ground' type places!
Apologies for the late post. There were a few buildings we had not explored until recently so i was holding onto it. Its pretty wide open now and plenty of evidence of piking. Demolition was scheduled for January but its still there if you want to look, for how long i dont really know!
Original Works
Boiler House
Later Works
Boiler House
Later Works
