Quarry Bank Mill is an industrial heritage site south of Manchester, owned by the National Trust. The main attraction of the site is a large cotton mill dating from 1784. Some of the machinery is still functional and partly powered by Europe’s largest working water wheel. In addition to the mill, there are also glimpses of how the people of the time lived, with tours of the Apprentice House, workers cottages and (soon to open) the stately home of the Greg family. There are also extensive gardens and woodland walks, making the site a rare combination of industrial heritage, stately home and countryside. Our photographs are all from a single visit, however this is a location that would reward repeat visits to fully explore the mill, gardens and the various properties on site.
Location and Parking
Postcode: SK9 4LA
Quarry Bank Mill is close to Manchester Airport, and is signposted from the M56. Take the airport turn-off at junction 5 from the M56 and drive past the airport on Ringway Road. After two miles, turn right onto Styal Road, the continue for 1.5 miles to reach the turn-odd for Quarry Bank Mill. At the time of our visit, they were working on a new car-park and entrance, so these details may change, but the mill is signposted from the motorway, so there should be no difficulties.
The Mill
The main cotton mill dates from 1784 and was built by Samuel Gregg, who was already a successful businessman in the cotton and linen trade. The location was selected adjacent to the River Bollin as the machinery was originally powered by a water wheel – the water wheel remains functional and is the most powerful water wheel in Europe. In later years, water power was replaced by steam and then electricity. Inside the mill there are example of weaving and spinning machines from various stages of the Industrial Revolution, right up to the early 20th century. The mill was transferred to National Trust ownership in 1939, but remained in production until 1959.
Quarry Bank Mill
Feeding the Looms
19th Century Spinning Mule
20th Century Ring Spinning Frame
The Apprentice House
The Apprentice House was established in 1790 to lodge a number of child apprentices. These were poor children, mostly from workhouses, perhaps orphans or just from a poor family. Although they worked long hours in the mill, life was better here than the alternatives in a workhouse or on the street – at Quarry Bank Mill they received food, lodgings, an education and some health care. The Apprentice House had its own vegetable garden, tended by the children.
The Apprentice House
Apprentice House Tour
Gardens and Woodland
The River Bollin flows past Quarry Bank Mill and today there are attractive grounds around the mill. Just upstream of the mill is a weir and mill-pond, which is a good area for dragonflies. There are also some landscaped woodland covering the side of the valley, and at the top of the woods there is a formal garden.
The River Bollin at Quarry Bank
Quarry Bank Mill
The Weir at Quarry Bank Mill
Dragonflys at the Millpond
Quarry Bank Gardens