Halliwell Bleach Works (ruin)

The works were founded by Peter Ainsworth in 1739, and acquired a reputation in the early C19 for the early use of chlorine gas in the bleaching process, under the direction of Richard Ainsworth.

The main chimney for the works – now Barrow Bridge Chimney – remains upstanding while the site of the original building is now an overflow car park for Moss Bank Park, that is well-made to preserve the layout of the old building and features several carved stones. In the valley below are the remains of several other buildings together with an elaborate system of aqueducts to move water around.

In the eastern portion of the site there are large vats made from stone flags held together with iron that would have been used in the bleaching process.

Stone Tanks at the site of Halliwell Bleach Works

Old Aqueduct at the site of Halliwell Bleach Works

A Tunnel Associated with the Halliwell Bleach Works runs under Barrow Bridge Road

Site of the Tunnel to Halliwell Bleach Works on Barrow Bridge Road

One of Two Stone Angels of uncertain age built into the old Bridge over Dean Brook - possibly from the original Holy Well

Local History

Historic monuments near Halliwell Bleach Works (ruin)

Coking ovens and associated coal workings on Aushaw Moss 450m south west of Lower House – 9.13 km away
Stone circle, ring cairn and two round cairns on Cheetham Close – 5.04 km away
Round Loaf bowl barrow on Anglezarke Moor – 8.86 km away
Round cairn on Noon Hill – 5.98 km away
Round cairn on Winter Hill – 5.33 km away
Roman road at Bottom o’ th’ Knotts Brow – 6.46 km away
Steam tramway reversing triangle – 9.20 km away
Affetside Cross at Affetside 75m north west of the Pack Horse Inn – 6.42 km away
Round cairn 280m west of Old Harpers Farm – 3.32 km away