Lane Side

This cotton spinning mill was one of many in Shaw and was opened in 1907 with power provided by this horizontal twin tandem compound steam engine by Scott & Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18" & 42" x 5' (x2) and turned a 26' diameter flywheel driving by cotton ropes. The engine ran at 60 revolutions per minute and generated 1500 horsepower. It stopped running commercially in 1967 but was then preserved with the assistance of the Northern Mill Engine Society and was run on occasions until 1982 when the mill closed and was sold. Although the engine was made a Scheduled Ancient Monument it became very badly vandalised and was finally scrapped in 1994. This was a lovely engine and typical of so many in Lancashire. There are now only three large spinning mill engines surviving in situ.

This cotton spinning mill was one of many in Shaw and was opened in 1907 with power provided by this horizontal twin tandem compound steam engine by Scott & Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18" & 42" x 5' (x2) and turned a 26' diameter flywheel driving by cotton ropes. The engine ran at 60 revolutions per minute and generated 1500 horsepower. It stopped running commercially in 1967 but was then preserved with the assistance of the Northern Mill Engine Society and was run on occasions until 1982 when the mill closed and was sold. Although the engine was made a Scheduled Ancient Monument it became very badly vandalised and was finally scrapped in 1994. This was a lovely engine and typical of so many in Lancashire. There are now only three large spinning mill engines surviving in situ.

This cotton spinning mill was one of many in Shaw and was opened in 1907 with power provided by this horizontal twin tandem compound steam engine by Scott & Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18" & 42" x 5' (x2) and turned a 26' diameter flywheel driving by cotton ropes. The engine ran at 60 revolutions per minute and generated 1500 horsepower. It stopped running commercially in 1967 but was then preserved with the assistance of the Northern Mill Engine Society and was run on occasions until 1982 when the mill closed and was sold. Although the engine was made a Scheduled Ancient Monument it became very badly vandalised and was finally scrapped in 1994. This was a lovely engine and typical of so many in Lancashire. There are now only three large spinning mill engines surviving in situ.

This cotton spinning mill was one of many in Shaw and was opened in 1907 with power provided by this horizontal twin tandem compound steam engine by Scott & Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18" & 42" x 5' (x2) and turned a 26' diameter flywheel driving by cotton ropes. The engine ran at 60 revolutions per minute and generated 1500 horsepower. It stopped running commercially in 1967 but was then preserved with the assistance of the Northern Mill Engine Society and was run on occasions until 1982 when the mill closed and was sold. Although the engine was made a Scheduled Ancient Monument it became very badly vandalised and was finally scrapped in 1994. This view shows the inverted vertical duplex barring engine that engaged with the gear ring on the rim of the flywheel. The wood boarding that covered the flywheel spokes is also seen. The flywheel consisted of two identical wheels running edge to edge each with its own set of spokes. This was typical of the larger wheels and the largest had three wheels set edge to edge as at Mons Mill, Todmorden. This was a lovely engine and typical of so many in Lancashire. There are now only three large spinning mill engines surviving in situ.

This cotton spinning mill was one of many in Shaw and was opened in 1907 with power provided by this horizontal twin tandem compound steam engine by Scott & Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18" & 42" x 5' (x2) and turned a 26' diameter flywheel driving by cotton ropes. The engine ran at 60 revolutions per minute and generated 1500 horsepower. It stopped running commercially in 1967 but was then preserved with the assistance of the Northern Mill Engine Society and was run on occasions until 1982 when the mill closed and was sold. Although the engine was made a Scheduled Ancient Monument it became very badly vandalised and was finally scrapped in 1994. This was a lovely engine and typical of so many in Lancashire. There are now only three large spinning mill engines surviving in situ.

Dee Mill on the right was demolished long ago but the two Lily Mills on the left are part of a huge warehouse complex. The station is now part of a Metro but was then British Rail.

Rather rough moorland for a park but it does contain a football pitch in this view from the Obelisk

The Metrolink tram stop is on the converted railway line from Oldham Mumps. The old railway station was on the north side of Beal Lane level crossing. The new Metrolink station was created on the south side of the crossing. On the right is a siding for trams terminating here SD9408 : East Didsbury tram at Shaw and Crompton.

Founded in 2003. A mural on the outside is mostly obscured by parked cars, alas, and one section appears to have been damaged.

Looking down the line towards Oldham. On the right are some large-leafed plants SD9408 : Butterbur (Petasites hybridus).

By the side of Shaw and Crompton Tram Stop SD9408 : Shaw and Crompton Tram Stop. Apparently the leaves of this plant were once used for wrapping butter. Other common names include Bog rhubarb, Devil's hat, Pestilence wart, Batter dock, Butter dock, Cleats, Cleets, Flea dock, Gallon, Oxwort, Pestilence wort, Poison rhubarb, Son-before-the-father, Umbrella leaf, Water docken.

The approaching tram is negotiating points that will lead it onto the track to the left. It is on a service from East Didsbury via Exchange Square and Oldham which will terminate here SD9408 : East Didsbury tram at Shaw and Crompton. The tracks on the right are for those going on to Rochdale.