Quarry Bank

Heritage Site in Cheshire

England

Quarry Bank

Quarry Bank is a historic site located in Styal, Cheshire, England. It is a former cotton mill complex that played a significant role during the Industrial Revolution. The site is now a heritage site and is managed by the National Trust.

The mill complex was built in 1784 by Samuel Greg, a successful textile merchant. It was strategically located near the River Bollin, providing a source of water power for the machinery. Quarry Bank Mill became one of the largest and most productive cotton mills in the country during the 19th century.

Visitors to Quarry Bank can explore various parts of the site, including the cotton mill itself, the Apprentice House, and the picturesque gardens. The cotton mill offers a glimpse into the harsh working conditions of the time, with preserved machinery and interactive exhibits showcasing the entire cotton manufacturing process.

The Apprentice House is a unique feature of Quarry Bank, as it was where child apprentices lived and worked. Visitors can learn about the lives of these young workers and the impact of the factory system on their daily routines.

The gardens at Quarry Bank are also worth exploring, with beautiful landscapes, a restored glasshouse, and a kitchen garden. The gardens provide a tranquil space to relax and reflect on the history of the site.

Throughout the year, Quarry Bank hosts various events, workshops, and exhibitions, offering visitors a chance to engage with the history and heritage of the area. It is an important heritage site that provides a valuable insight into the industrial past of Cheshire and the wider region.

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Quarry Bank Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.348/-2.249 or Grid Reference SJ8383. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The entrance yard to Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

Although now a National Trust property much of the machinery is still in use, and some of it is amazingly complicated, the result of years of 'brain-work' in the 19C.

Humphrey Bolton

The River Bollin at Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

This is the river upstream of the packhorse bridge.

Humphrey Bolton

Inside the water wheel, Quarry Bank Mill, Styal

This wheel is very wide, said to be the biggest in Europe. See SJ8382 : Waterwheel, Quarry Bank Mill for more information.

Humphrey Bolton

Warehouse and shop, Oak Cottages, Styal

The shop is just a shop-front now, with a house behind. The same probably applies to the warehouse; perhaps the door leads to a garage now.

Humphrey Bolton

The Apprentices House, Styal

The apprentices were children who worked long hours in the mill for board and lodging but no pay. They did receive basic education and medical care, and were presumably offered employment at the end of their apprentice years. The house was built in 1790. The apprentice system was phased out between 1841 and 1847. See also the Wikipedia article.

Humphrey Bolton

Farm Fold Cottages, Styal

These were converted from farm buildings to mill workers' cottages in the late 18C. The building to the right was converted from a seed store to a Methodist chapel.

Humphrey Bolton

Manchester Airport

Manchester Airport lies approximately 8½ miles to the south west of Manchester city centre. It is the largest, and busiest, airport in the UK outside the London area. The airport comprises three terminals and a goods terminal and provides flights to over 200 destinations. It is the only British airport other than London Heathrow to operate two runways over 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in length. The airport officially opened (as Ringway Airport) in 1938. During the war, it was called RAF Ringway and, between 1975 and 1986, Manchester International Airport. It is owned and managed by the Manchester Airports Group (MAG) which is a holding company owned by the ten metropolitan borough councils of Greater Manchester. The airport has good transport links and is served by the M56 motorway and by Manchester Airport railway station which provides extensive rail connections. The Metrolink tramway extension opened in November 2014, providing a tram link between the airport and the city centre.

Lauren

Aircraft at Manchester

Looking towards the runway from the airport viewing park as G-EUUW, an Airbus A320-232 lands with a flight from London Heathrow. G-LEGC, an Embraer Legacy 600 sits on the left.

DS Pugh