Knoll Spinning Company
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Knoll Spinning was founded in 1946 when William Oddy from Shipley created the business and moved production to the New Wellington Mill on the outskirts of Oldham.
The Mill itself dates back further than that but not much can be found on its history? The site is split into three main sections and sits beside a wharf.
Knoll Closed down around 2001 and has been derelict ever since. Tesco have proposed to turn the site into another one of its super markets, which has been granted, so the Mills time is limited.
At some point a few years back the front section of the mill was occupied by believe it or not a Funeral Directors. Although some what on the small side it does still have the freezer that stored the bodies still in situ.
A strange sight indeed and the first time we have ever encountered such a thing in a disused mill. Still it was a very interesting addition to the old place.
Despite being empty for going on seven years the mill is in relativley good condition inside. Just untidy but thats expected in places like these.
The most stunning area has to be the main factory floor where the looms use to sit. Sadly they are long gone but the huge pits they sat in are still there and illustrate how big they would of been.
We have always discounted this place on the basis that the reports we had seen never really seemed to do the place justice.
The exterior is actually quite nice and being split over three sections it does add to the appeal of the place rather than just a standard square building that mills usually tend to be.
Inside is another story though with plenty too see and lots of little features. The majority of the upper floors are empty but do have character and in parts the lighting is fantastic.
It wasnt quite what we was expecting but made for an enjoyable explore and some comedy moments on the giant shute.
We returned to Knoll in early 2009 and discovered that one of the seperate mill buildings was accessible. The photos on this page are now are mix between photos from 2007 and 2008.
