What was there?? Near calegen Foam??

***Mr D*** · 16-10-2007, 14:46

Again whilst on one of my dog walks I have come across an area that seems like it once had a purpose.

The area I relate to is behind calegen foam, or the way I would go is threw a gap in the wall behind Accrington College (the new Motor Vehicle bit) where the running track used to be (there is a small woods) follow the path trew the gap in the wall.

Once over the wall there is a small stream and a few signes that once something else was there. Inc a old unused street lamp.

Flash Earth link to show the area.
Flash Earth ...satellite and aerial imagery of the Earth in Flash

There is a large culvert further up the path in another small woods, quite well blocked off, also evidence of old underground pipes and a man made waterfall so there must of been something?

Anyone any ideas what used to be there?

WillowTheWhisp · 16-10-2007, 14:48

Last time I was up there there was a big sign saying "Private! Keep out!"

***Mr D*** · 16-10-2007, 14:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

Last time I was up there there was a big sign saying "Private! Keep out!"

Where was that sign? this is defenatly Public right of way.

WillowTheWhisp · 16-10-2007, 16:16

That's what I thought because I used to walk the dog round there when we had a dog. This was a couple of years ago. Maybe the sign was taken down if someone objected.

***Mr D*** · 16-10-2007, 16:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by WillowTheWhisp

That's what I thought because I used to walk the dog round there when we had a dog. This was a couple of years ago. Maybe the sign was taken down if someone objected.

They could not put a sign the way I walk as I believe its a public foot path.

If you came in Via Calegen then there could of been a sign up at the main enterance, but you can drive up that way I think to get to the twin lodges.

Trespass isnt a criminal offence anyways.

Lynne · 16-10-2007, 16:23

I'm not sure if this is a little bit lower down than where you are talking about.
My Grandmother used to live on Grafton Ave (Baxendan) early 60's and you could walk from there through the woods down passed a stream and a big old mansion house and come out at Calegon Foam. I have not idea what this house was called or if it is still there or who lived there. This type of property used to belong to a mill or mine owner.
Then there also used to be the ambulance station there but this was almost at the junction with Manchester Road.

beechy · 16-10-2007, 16:59

all the area around there once was owned
by broad oak printworks long before caligen foam

***Mr D*** · 16-10-2007, 17:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by beechy

all the area around there once was owned
by broad oak printworks long before caligen foam

Sounds the most likely explanation.

A thred is nothing without a few pics.

The way over the wall.

I can remember when you could walk over the bridge here.

The Lamp post.

Looking down the path being looked at.

Further up the waterfall which leads into the culvert. Wonder where this goes to? Anyone.

Hope you enjoyed the Pics.

spud · 18-10-2007, 20:28

As kids we called it spinning jenny on account of the Benjamin Hargreaves' shuttle, this area was the site of the original mill, Broad Oak. The mills were massive, employing thousands and some of the original buildings still stand.

I havn't seen that waterfall myself, only the bigger one further down, these were built for large waterwheels who's sole purpose was harnessing the power of water, long before the steam engine was invented.

I do wonder what the iron struts are there for...

btw, great pics mate.

spud · 18-10-2007, 20:31

BTW, I think it comes out at the back of the elite snooker club...

BERNADETTE · 18-10-2007, 22:32

Nice pics MR D, can't be of any help with the question.

slinky · 18-10-2007, 22:53

My friend's mum and dad own the farm at the back of Calegen Foam!!

beechy · 19-10-2007, 05:13

I do wonder what the iron struts are there for...

would the struts stop peopple from falling in ?

entwisi · 19-10-2007, 06:50

You can still walk down from Southwood Drive to caligen(the entrance is near Tintern). There is a footpath all the way down. I seem to think the area is called Laund? There used to be a big house where I live (Laund House) but it was demolised as I understand in the early 60s to build the estate I live on (ours was built in 63). Under the back garden there were loads of bricks etc from where the cellar was filled in with rubble

ChrisMG · 19-10-2007, 10:42

Have you tried looking on the Mario site. The 1940s and 1960s aeriel photos show all the buildings that used to be at broadoak. The old maps will show a lot of detail aswell.

Lancashire County Council - MARIO - Maps And Related Information Online