Robert Fletcher & Son ltd

Robert Fletcher & Son ltd. History dates back to the 1800s but its history at Greenfield Mill in Oldham, Lancashire began in 1920. Fletchers manufactured cigarette paper and had contracts with amongst others, Imperial Tobacco. In 1914 Imperial contracted Fletchers to produce fine quality cigarette paper for them. As at the time all products of this type had to be imported from France.

Greenfield is one of three mills owned by Fletchers but this one was made soley for the bleaching and production of cigarette paper. It was purchased in 1920 and continued producing cigarette paper right up until its closure in 2002.

During the process of bleaching and producing cigarette papers, a lot of extremely poisonous chemicals are used, including arsenic and deadly chlorine gas.

Due to the nature of the chemicals used at the mill and its location to a near by village. Safety was very important. In the event of a chemical leak the entire surrounding population would of been evacuated.

In the event of an emergancy an air raid siren on the roof of the mill would sound. Alerting the locals to take cover until the emergency services could give the all clear.

Upon entering Fletchers you are instantly hit by a very unnerving and eerie feeling. Its as if the workforce just vanished overnight. Everything has been left just as it was when the last shift finished work back in 2002.

Every section of the mill you pass through you expect someone to step out and demand what your doing there. Its like the Mary Celeste!

Whilst exploring the site we couldnt believe just how much was still there. Everything from complete factory floors to fork lift trucks and a fully equipped infirmary and office section.