Bedford Wood

Wood, Forest in Lancashire

England

Bedford Wood

Leigh Spinners Mills, Leigh A double mill built for cotton spinning and latterly used for carpet manufacture. No. 2 Mill is on the left and contains a large preserved steam engine. This view is now largely obscured by tree growth. — Leigh Spinners Mills, Leigh Credit: Chris Allen

Bedford Wood is a picturesque woodland located in the county of Lancashire, England. Situated near the village of Bedford, this natural area spans over a vast expanse of land, covering approximately 500 acres. The woodland is known for its dense and diverse collection of trees, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.

Visitors to Bedford Wood can expect to find a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, birch, and pine. The tall, majestic trees provide a canopy that filters the sunlight, creating a dappled effect on the forest floor. This makes it an ideal habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna.

The woodland is home to a multitude of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds can be heard singing their melodies throughout the day. Additionally, small mammals like rabbits, squirrels, and hedgehogs can often be spotted scurrying among the undergrowth.

For those looking to explore Bedford Wood, there are several walking trails that wind through the forest. These paths provide visitors with the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area, while also offering glimpses of the surrounding countryside.

Overall, Bedford Wood is a charming natural space, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its rich biodiversity and tranquil surroundings make it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking solace in the beauty of the outdoors.

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Bedford Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.506704/-2.4973548 or Grid Reference SD6701. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Leigh Spinners Mills, Leigh A double mill built for cotton spinning and latterly used for carpet manufacture. No. 2 Mill is on the left and contains a large preserved steam engine. This view is now largely obscured by tree growth.

Leigh Spinners Mills, Leigh

A double mill built for cotton spinning and latterly used for carpet manufacture. No. 2 Mill is on the left and contains a large preserved steam engine. This view is now largely obscured by tree growth.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left with the low pressure on the right. The piston tail rod on the low pressure operates the triangular levers operating the air pump below the floor. The cylinders have Corliss valves to let the steam in and out. The flywheel still had some ropes that had driven an alternator in the basement. This had been used during the miners&#039; strikes of 1974. The No. 1 mill engine had suffered a mechanical failure and had been scrapped.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left with the low pressure on the right. The piston tail rod on the low pressure operates the triangular levers operating the air pump below the floor. The cylinders have Corliss valves to let the steam in and out. The flywheel still had some ropes that had driven an alternator in the basement. This had been used during the miners' strikes of 1974. The No. 1 mill engine had suffered a mechanical failure and had been scrapped.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This view was from up the rope race. Originally ropes would have been seen heading up towards and above the photographer to drive the various floors of the mill. By 1980 the only ropes left were driving down to an alternator in the basement. The high pressure cylinder is on the right and the low pressure on the left from this viewpoint. When I visited the mill later the staircases up the rope race had been damaged and there was no longer any access. These have been reinstated more recently but I do not know if I would be allowed up there these days.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This view was from up the rope race. Originally ropes would have been seen heading up towards and above the photographer to drive the various floors of the mill. By 1980 the only ropes left were driving down to an alternator in the basement. The high pressure cylinder is on the right and the low pressure on the left from this viewpoint. When I visited the mill later the staircases up the rope race had been damaged and there was no longer any access. These have been reinstated more recently but I do not know if I would be allowed up there these days.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This is a view from the crank end on the high pressure side of the engine. This includes the shrunk on crank, box type big-end, trunk crosshead guide, the Corliss valve cylinder and the centrifugal governor. The wooden boarding top left is on the flywheel and prevents the spokes stirring up a gale in the engine house.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This is a view from the crank end on the high pressure side of the engine. This includes the shrunk on crank, box type big-end, trunk crosshead guide, the Corliss valve cylinder and the centrifugal governor. The wooden boarding top left is on the flywheel and prevents the spokes stirring up a gale in the engine house.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left and the low pressure on the right. Both have Corliss valve gear and the governor adjusts the high pressure cut-off to keep the speed near constant.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left and the low pressure on the right. Both have Corliss valve gear and the governor adjusts the high pressure cut-off to keep the speed near constant.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This shows the barring engine that engages with teeth in the flywheel rim to slowly rotate the main engine. The boarding behind is on the flywheel. The barring engine would be used to put the engine in the right position for starting, for slowly rotating it to clear water from the cylinders and during maintenance and adjustments. The little vertical device on the right behind the hand rail is an electrical overspeed governor that is a last line of defence in an overspeed if the main governor has failed to stop the engine.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This shows the barring engine that engages with teeth in the flywheel rim to slowly rotate the main engine. The boarding behind is on the flywheel. The barring engine would be used to put the engine in the right position for starting, for slowly rotating it to clear water from the cylinders and during maintenance and adjustments. The little vertical device on the right behind the hand rail is an electrical overspeed governor that is a last line of defence in an overspeed if the main governor has failed to stop the engine.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This is the high pressure side from the crank end with the view dominated by the flywheel and its wooden boarding. The boarding stops the spokes stirring up a gale in the engine house. Part of the barring engine is seen on the left. We are very lucky that this engine survives and is now being restored. I hope to see it in steam one day.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. This is the high pressure side from the crank end with the view dominated by the flywheel and its wooden boarding. The boarding stops the spokes stirring up a gale in the engine house. Part of the barring engine is seen on the left. We are very lucky that this engine survives and is now being restored. I hope to see it in steam one day.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine The largest cross compound mill engine surviving in England. Built by Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn. It is currently being restored following a long period out of use and out of the public view. The cylinders have had their asbestos lagging removed and are currently missing the blued steel cladding. They do look better for a coat of green paint. This is one engine that is better on a dull day and the sun had just gone in briefly.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

The largest cross compound mill engine surviving in England. Built by Yates & Thom of Blackburn. It is currently being restored following a long period out of use and out of the public view. The cylinders have had their asbestos lagging removed and are currently missing the blued steel cladding. They do look better for a coat of green paint. This is one engine that is better on a dull day and the sun had just gone in briefly.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine A 1925 built Yates &amp; Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left and the low pressure on the right. Both have Corliss valve gear and the governor adjusts the high pressure cut-off to keep the speed near constant. Once again it was a sunny day with light patches on the walls and engine. One day I will get there when it&#039;s overcast.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

A 1925 built Yates & Thom of Blackburn horizontal cross compound mill engine of 1800 horsepower. The high pressure cylinder is on the left and the low pressure on the right. Both have Corliss valve gear and the governor adjusts the high pressure cut-off to keep the speed near constant. Once again it was a sunny day with light patches on the walls and engine. One day I will get there when it's overcast.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine This shows the electrical overspeed governor. It is driven from the crankshaft and if the main governor fails and the engine overspeeds an electrical contact is made as the balls fly out and raise the flat topped &#039;table&#039;. The creation of a circuit activates the electric stop motion and closes the main steam valve. The wood boarding behind covers in the spokes of the flywheel.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

This shows the electrical overspeed governor. It is driven from the crankshaft and if the main governor fails and the engine overspeeds an electrical contact is made as the balls fly out and raise the flat topped 'table'. The creation of a circuit activates the electric stop motion and closes the main steam valve. The wood boarding behind covers in the spokes of the flywheel.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine This shows the centre of the flywheel where the crankshaft passes through it. The flywheel consists of two 24&#039; diameter wheels rim to rim and grooved for cotton driving ropes. Each wheel has sets of 8 spokes held into the hub by the large keys arranged radially. The spokes are covered by wooden boarding to prevent them stirring up a gale in the engine house. The wheels are centred on the shaft by hand-fitted &#039;stakes&#039;. There are four of these sitting on flats on the centre swell of the crankshaft. Fitting these was a skilled and very physical job.

Leigh Spinners Mill - No. 2 steam engine

This shows the centre of the flywheel where the crankshaft passes through it. The flywheel consists of two 24' diameter wheels rim to rim and grooved for cotton driving ropes. Each wheel has sets of 8 spokes held into the hub by the large keys arranged radially. The spokes are covered by wooden boarding to prevent them stirring up a gale in the engine house. The wheels are centred on the shaft by hand-fitted 'stakes'. There are four of these sitting on flats on the centre swell of the crankshaft. Fitting these was a skilled and very physical job.

Ella Toone Mural on The Union Arms in Tyldesley A mural of Ella Toone has been completed on the side of her local pub in Tyldesley.

Ella&#039;s goals and performances helped the England Women&#039;s Football Team to lift the Women&#039;s Euros for the first time this summer.

Ella Toone Mural on The Union Arms in Tyldesley

A mural of Ella Toone has been completed on the side of her local pub in Tyldesley. Ella's goals and performances helped the England Women's Football Team to lift the Women's Euros for the first time this summer.

Tesco Leigh Car Park on a wet day

Tesco Leigh Car Park on a wet day

Tesco Extra in Leigh

Tesco Extra in Leigh

Tesco (Leigh) 7 day car wash and fuel

Tesco (Leigh) 7 day car wash and fuel

Mather Lane Mill, Leigh

Mather Lane Mill, Leigh

St. Joseph's Church, Leigh

St. Joseph's Church, Leigh

SMD Tyres, Leigh

SMD Tyres, Leigh

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Bedford Wood is located at Grid Ref: SD6701 (Lat: 53.506704, Lng: -2.4973548)

Unitary Authority: Wigan

Police Authority: Greater Manchester

Also known as: Hough Wood

What 3 Words

///excuse.brief.rocket. Near Leigh, Manchester

Nearby Locations

Bedford Wood Hough Wood

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 53.506704,-2.4973548

Bedford Colliery

Description: Former main site for Bedford Colliery.

Historic: mine

Wikidata: Q4879124

Wikipedia: en:Bedford Colliery

Lat/Long: 53.5032666/-2.4949426

Man Made: tower

Tower Construction: lattice

Tower Type: communication

Lat/Long: 53.505411/-2.4911314

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5048735/-2.4922351

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5045832/-2.4929595

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5051859/-2.4911512

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5051409/-2.4912956

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5042471/-2.4928043

Barrier: bollard

Bollard: fixed

Motor Vehicle: no

Lat/Long: 53.5035992/-2.4928228

Basket Ball Court

Leisure: park

Operator: WMBC

Lat/Long: 53.5048171/-2.5028544

Indian Bean Tree Circle

Natural: wood

Operator: WMBC

Lat/Long: 53.5058909/-2.5017267

Barrier: bollard

Bollard: fixed

Motor Vehicle: no

Lat/Long: 53.5036097/-2.4925684

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5035552/-2.492139

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5036156/-2.4924261

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5036227/-2.4919999

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5037032/-2.4923138

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5045319/-2.4917976

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5044054/-2.4917887

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5042686/-2.4931777

Noexit: yes

Lat/Long: 53.5049143/-2.4922241

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5044675/-2.4916408

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5046798/-2.4906978

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5046899/-2.4909284

Crossing

Crossing: uncontrolled

Lat/Long: 53.5047664/-2.4905889

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Hall Moor Yorkshire

Hough Wood Lancashire

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