It is nearly thirty years since I went to
Quarry Bank, the Victorian Cotton Mill at Styal in Cheshire, for the wedding reception of my dear friends Richard and Rachel. But we took George and Jacob on Tuesday [whilst their Mum and Dad were at work]
Although the NT summer programme ended the day before, there was plenty to see and do. Out in the grounds and inside the mill, and in the owner's house
Well planned play areas, a good bridge for Pooh Sticks and tasty food
The mill was good to walk round, lots of "technical guides" explaining, and helping young ones to understand history and science. How the machines all worked, and how the workers [especially women and children] were treated so badly.
The boys were so well behaved and enjoyed the challenges - like following the Monty Moth trail. There was of course, the usual dressing up. A great day out, we were there over five hours!
It's a fascinating and important place by all accounts. I've never been. It looks tranquil now, but mist have been incredibly noisy when it was a working mill.
ReplyDeleteThey switch some of the looms on at intervals and it was Very Noisy
DeleteThat looks so interesting and fun for the boys. I have never been but would love to go. I loved North and South on television although the looms all going at once must have been deafening. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteNo "Elf'n'Saty" back then
DeleteWow-what a fantastic day out with the boys and it’s great that they like to join in everything. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThey play so well together, it's a delight to be with them
DeleteIt must be even longer than that since I went to Styal, it was always a favourite with my eldest son and we lived quite close when we were in Manchester. It looks like there is much more to do there for children now. xx
ReplyDeleteVery child friendly
DeleteI still have a fabric remnant in blue gingham, bought from there as a long piece many years ago. It was a fascinating visit.
ReplyDeleteThere is still one loom set up to weave blue gingham. But most of the cloth is sent away to be printed with lovely designs
DeleteYou're such good grandparents. Xxx
ReplyDelete....but currently extremely tired !
DeleteGreat photos, thanks for sharing them. What a lovely place to visit, so different from the working era. I wonder how many workers lost their hearing fairly young as a result of the noise of the looms?
ReplyDeleteThose poor workers - I imagine losing your hearing did not feel too bad, when the alternative was losing a limb, or even a life
DeleteWhat a wonderful day for you all.
ReplyDelete👍😃
DeleteWhat a wonderful outing for all of you (I imagine that everyone slept very well that night! I know I would have!)
ReplyDeleteJacob slept all rhe way home in the car 💤💤💤
DeleteThank you for the recommendation, Angela. We have not visited this NT site but now we have more freedom to travel in retirement, it will be added to our places to visit.
ReplyDeleteThe 2nd hand bookshop has a wide selection, and sofas where you can sit and read!
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