Top o' th' Knowl

Settlement in Lancashire

England

Top o' th' Knowl

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine 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 &amp; Hodgson of Guide Bridge. The cylinders were 18&quot; &amp; 42&quot; x 5&#039; (x2) and turned a 26&#039; 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, Shaw - steam engine Credit: Chris Allen

Top o' th' Knowl is a small village located in the county of Lancashire, England. Situated amidst the picturesque landscape of the West Pennine Moors, it is known for its serene beauty and tranquil atmosphere. The village is nestled on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

With a population of around 500 residents, Top o' th' Knowl has a close-knit community that prides itself on preserving its rural charm. The village is characterized by its quaint stone cottages and traditional architecture, which adds to its charm and appeal.

Despite its small size, Top o' th' Knowl boasts a few essential amenities for its residents. The village is home to a local pub, The Knowl Inn, where locals and visitors can enjoy a drink and indulge in traditional pub food. Additionally, there is a small village shop that caters to the basic needs of the community.

Nature enthusiasts are drawn to Top o' th' Knowl due to its proximity to the West Pennine Moors, offering ample opportunities for hiking, walking, and exploring the beautiful countryside. The village is also surrounded by several nature reserves, providing an abundance of flora and fauna.

While Top o' th' Knowl may be a quiet and secluded village, it benefits from its proximity to larger towns and cities. Nearby Bolton and Manchester offer a range of amenities, cultural attractions, and employment opportunities, making Top o' th' Knowl an attractive place to reside for those seeking a peaceful rural lifestyle within reach of urban centers.

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Top o' th' Knowl Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.582055/-2.084553 or Grid Reference SD9409. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine

Chris Allen

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine

Chris Allen

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine

Chris Allen

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine

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.

Chris Allen

Dee Mill, Shaw - steam engine

Chris Allen

Dee and Lily Mills, Shaw

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.

Chris Allen

East Didsbury tram at Shaw and Crompton

Gerald England

Shaw and Crompton Tram Stop

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.

Gerald England

Beal Lane

Gerald England

Rises Private Day Nursery

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

Gerald England

Roadworks on Beal Lane

Gerald England

Shaw and Crompton Tram Stop

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

Gerald England

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.

Gerald England

Shaw and Crompton Tram Stop

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.

Gerald England