Abandoned Time Capsule Paper Mill in England - Urbex Lost Places UK

In this video we head inside a huge property that closed overnight after the company went bankrupt more than a decade ago. The beautiful setting the paper mill is located in has caused it to offer beautiful decaying scenes, with all the machinery and items trapped inside untouched.
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Music -
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Henrik Neesgard - Strenuous Atmospheres 9
From Now On - Innovations
Anthony Earls - Hidden Room
Anders Schill Paulsen - In the Mirror 1
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Hakan Eriksson - Dark Roads 3
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Rannar Sillard - Subtle Underscore 10
Trevor Kowalski - Degrees of Separation
Gunnar Johnsen - Mystery Minutes 13
REMINDER: We do not force entry into any of these places. We only use access points available to us on the day and if there is none, we leave the site how it was to conserve it. If we get in, we do not vandalise anything.
Thanks for watching!
abandoned urbandoned derelict urbex paper mill factory uk england untouched frozen in time time capsule everything left

[@richardsmallwood3316]

This mill was abandoned because the owner embezzeled the pension pot. He's in India now Love your videos, very well done. I particularly, like the way you are very respectful to the places you are exploring. I would love to have done what you are doing,however, I'm to old now. Keep up the good work boys.

[@michaeljohn2826]

Wow that's quite an insight, would love to know more and why it had to shut so instantaneously

[@richardsmallwood3316]

Less than a mile from my house. The surrounding area has been used in Coronation Street a lot. It literally closed overnight.

[@robertfletcher3421]

You guys did a great job. I am amazed how such a large establishment can just shut down so rapidly.

[@outcastowl876]

Well I think you may know somehow, 😉

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you Robert, means a lot to us

[@davidwalterappleby3227]

Me and my brother worked there till it went into administration and we were told to shut the machines down and gather in the finishing department for 2pm where we were told to collect all personal belongings and leave the premises it was June 2001. Obviously I cannot mention the name and location but here’s a little gem of information coronation street used part of it to film some scenes were Pat Phelan was to hide some of his victims bodies.

[@Albert87nl]

tbh it only took me 5sec to find. but also not gonne make that public. love to see these guys rveisit it now in 2021 see how its now !

[@nuherbleath461]

Fletchers mill in oldham?

[@deniseshephard3347]

@@nuherbleath461 That wasn’t wise to advertise it

[@dwnstringer]

So sad to see British industry almost gone and so many people still out of work all for cheap buck in another country. Excellent video wish i had the guts to do something like that.

[@naomismith1956]

Oh my god it makes so much sense that the workers here were abit pervy. My mum told me a story from when she was younger about her and a friend who used to regularly walk by this place and a guy (ill call him Bob) would often see them and usher them to come over and have a chat, I suppose they eventually struck up abit of a friendship with him, and despite him at first giving off creepy older guy vibes, he proved to be Jovial, funny, and seemed really popular about the place in general. my mum kind of described him as having more of a swagger than most of the other workers there, perhaps he was middle management or a foreman, I don't know? Anyhow on one of these occasions the rain really started to pour and rather than my mum and friend continuing on with their usual walk Bob offered them a lift home after his shift that was about to finish, and what seems absolutely crazy to me hearing this they accepted! I guess they felt comfortable enough around him by this point, of course rather than taking them straight home they all sort of agreed to take a more scenic route around the local Saddleworth moorlands where Bob would eventually park up in a peaceful spot that had sweeping views of the local area (including the paper mill itself) they generally chatted and had some banter until Bob started to inject some rather probing questions, like what experience they may have previously had with other men etc. My mum and her friend just thought it was all hilarious and I guess they felt relaxed and silly enough to ask a cheeky question back, enquiring through Churlish giggles as to wether Bob thought he could handle them both? Half expecting Bob to become a little awkward and embarrassed, my mum said she will never forget what Bobs response actually was... "YOU BET YOUR BOOTS I CAN." Suffice to say what then ensued must have been very satisfactory for all involved as this became the start of many more liaisons of this nature both in various remote spots and occasionally even at Bobs smart marital home, I suppose that was part of the draw for my mum and her friend as they came from an area of busted old sofas in gardens, Austin maestros on bricks, drunken racist dads at home, all set to the constant background noise of barking mongrel dogs. Bob on the other hand resided in a smart part of Greenfield on a modern leafy cul-de-sac where people had sprinklers on the lawn and buffed up maroon Ford escorts on the drive. My mum said things really started to come to a head though when Bobs wife found out, supposedly she put one of his used condoms on his bacon butty one morning, then obviously when he bit into it and gaffawed in shocked disgust she let him know what she knew and absolutely gave it to him both barrels before she left him. Now bobs wife was well known as a right bolshy stroppy cow and my mum was surprised she didn't properly rip Bobs nuts off! To cut a long story short Bob didn't really come off the same after all of that and any further meet ups and shenanigans kind of petered out, at least with my mum. Fast forward to now and the last she heard about Bob was that after the paper mill suddenly shut down he started a somewhat successful little packaging company of his own and pretty much did that until he passed away during Covid, apparently he still remained quite popular or at least well known at the local ale houses and kind of had an on off thing with my mums friend for a few years. Im actually surprised my mum told me all of this quite recently and it was weird that the paper mill where it all sort of started randomly came up in my KZbin feed. I guess some stories are just meant to be told.

[@michaeljohn2826]

A riveting read haha

[@cmsracing]

Giving the back story really adds to the quality of the experience, thanks!

[@deniseshephard3347]

Thank you for showing us the history of these abandoned places and how beautiful they are and were

[@jjwhittle8873]

I really like your videos. So much better than other urbexing channels. Nicely paced, nicely filmed.

[@daffyduk77]

Brilliant explore by top explorers , thanks! Unusually thoughtful, intelligent & informative voiceover. You wonder what the security staff are trying to protect from ? 50-tonne roller, anyone ? 1980s PC ? Great contrast between the gaffers' boardroom & the most spartan canteen outside of a Victorian prison. Great social & industrial-historical document

[@lizzieburton5276]

Wow guys that was absolutely mindblowing! The vastness of the areas withing the site & how it looked so like it was literally abandoned overnight. Totally amazing. Your music & cinamatica are spot on as always. One of your best explores yet..super stuff thanks for sharing. Your films are always so interesting :)

[@Urbandoned]

It is a stunning place and we definitely agree - one of our top explores for certain! Thank you

[@alsib5930]

Your best video by one of the best channels! I've drivern past this place many times, and always wondered what was inside. I even vaguely remember this in operation, with steam pouring out of the chimney stacks. All a distant memory now. Just like British industry nowadays.

[@Carnutzjoe]

The lab at 6:20 is where they test the paper at different points of the paper making process to ensure the quality is ok. Things like pH, consistency, and drainage rate (how well the stock holds water). It looks like the easily salvageable stuff is gone. (I work at a paper mill.)

[@richardjellis9186]

Paper mills are amazing places to look round. The way these sites developed through the years, with old meeting new, is something that I find extremely interesting.

[@anthonyaldgate6789]

Great video guys brought back some great memories I worked there for ten years from 1978 the mill manufactured fine tissue paper the majority of which was cigarette paper the mill closed in 2001.

[@michaeljohn2826]

Surprised their are not more former workers turning up in the comments for this one.. Perhaps they feel abit awkward about the naked pictures inside the lockers etc. But seriously would love to hear from some former workers and shed some more light on what really happened so suddenly.

[@kpurban1310]

I need to get myself here asap. The fact It hasn't changed in so long it genuinely stuns me. I think I'd runs through several batteries, SD cards, cameras and lenses here. This video is stunning, man.

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers bro it is unbelievably stunning. As you probably know, there is still so much more to see too!

[@kpurban1310]

@@Urbandoned Indded there is. I need to get there, the boiler room is what I want.

[@mattmattelig]

A great exploration. Really appreciate the commentary - it helps to tell the story. Thanks for taking us along with you.

[@redrumash]

My office is next to this mill. I walk around it a lot, heard stories from former employees and always been intrigued to what it’s like inside. Thanks for sharing the video.

[@michaeljohn2826]

Surprised their are not more former workers turning up in the comments for this one.. Perhaps they feel abit awkward about the naked pictures inside the lockers etc. But seriously would love to hear from some former workers and shed some more light on what really happened so suddenly.

[@redrumash]

@@michaeljohn2826 Most of the former employees I’ve spoken with are not on KZbin or don’t use it. Anyway, to what happened. The company was purchased and like many company acquisitions, the company was purchased to move the manufacturing process to a different company as labour was far cheaper so the owners could maximise profits. The new owner decided to close the site without warning and the workers woke up one morning to discover this news. They weren’t allowed back on site, hence why it was left untouched. The out side areas of the mill are used a lot for filming. The site has featured on a lot of TV soaps and series.

[@michaeljohn2826]

@@redrumash hey thanks for letting me know a little more, kind of thought alot of the former workers would be at least in their 50s and older by now (which still isn't too old for a social/youtube presence) but yeah it still makes sense in a way, late middle aged males whose early adulthood was formed in an environment of clocking in/off style industry and page 3 newspapers etc are not usually inclined to become social media savvy and building online profiles etc. The type of guys that also wouldn't go into a Costa coffee or that type of thing.. The cultural shift in the past 20 years or so has been so rapid and stark that it even makes men from a mere generation ago very interesting, their work, their lifes, what they valued and the environments they created. It is partly what makes this abandoned site so fascinating, its all there frozen in time.

[@redrumash]

@@michaeljohn2826 You’re welcome. It was a totally different time back then. It is a very interesting place to see, even from outside.

[@preddymadly1026]

wow what a place. So glad you got to see it.

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you so are we!

[@preddymadly1026]

Cool..xx

[@enduroian]

great video. I did a lot of machine shop work for a paper plant in the central united states, and this was very eerily similar to the vintage of the machinery there. At 4:47 those are bailers, which are, much like hay, bail the scrap pieces of paper or 'cut off ends' into compact cubes that can be disposed of via train or trucks. (very very heavy) those bailers would be running 24/7 and if those jam up the whole factory couldnt get rid of its scraps and would halt the line. Looks like instead of making the neccesary upgrades to equipment and technology, the owners ran this place into the ground. the good ole cash grab. In my experience, what it boils down to is the equipment becomes dated, the parts to repair it no longer exist, and new parts have to constantly be made to keep the ball rolling. 2001 was a rocky year but I don't think world events caused the total close down, maybe that straw broke the camels back.

[@drewcyprus3714]

Yeah that’s true that.The two older paper machines dated from the mills opening in 1921. Everything there was 70s and earlier

[@EdenValleyAdventuresUK]

That was fantastic great work very well filmed big like.

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers, glad you liked the video!

[@davem9445]

Brilliant coverage. Thoroughly enjoyed this coverage and again very informative without saying we think this did that and that did this like some urbex exlplorers

[@stephenablett1821]

Great place and great video. Thanks for sharing

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you appreciate that

[@neom472]

another great one lads, keep up the dope work, looking forward to next weeks

[@Urbandoned]

Will do man thank you

[@alisonhaskell7992]

Lovely to see this my grandad worked here in the 1930 until the 1960s Sad.😢 to see it in such a dilapidated state .

[@chrisdoney8578]

Absolutely awesome explore. These old industrial sites are my favourites. Going from busy, loud, profitable sites to just the ghost of once was is very interesting and almost intoxicating! Sad in a way but you're doing a great job in documenting all this and making the history permanent via KZbin and your channel. Priceless, well done lads 👍

[@harveyhalloway]

Supremely interesting and brilliantly documented, thanks for a great explore, loved the offices at the end of the video. Even if this mill went to the wall pre 9/11, it is fascinating to see the panelled offices with their 60s/70s vibe.

[@richardjellis9186]

9.55.. The tilework in the bottom and sides of the 'beater' baths is amazing. I wish you could have got some photos from different angles, as if you could see it up close, you'd be amazed at the workmanship involved in hand laying these tiles. Nowadays, it would be simply made from stainless steel.!

[@TrevBec]

Brilliant work lads, must have taken an eternity to edit. Was worth it though!

[@Urbandoned]

It did.. a very painful eternity! Worth it for great feedback though, thanks man

[@nettlesburton1014]

what an amazing video very interesting to see everything that was left thanks for sharing

[@karzilla810]

The lab is were they test paper . They buy chemicals for other manufacturers and the stacks of paper are pulp they buy . I enjoyed the video

[@paulzimmerman6058]

The natural decay is beautiful and amazing, great explanation. I am new to your channel and enjoying you style of urbex. Less like exploring with josh and more like the proper people. Looking forward to new uploads in the future.

[@stephhedgehogg]

What an amazing place! Brilliantly documented as always

[@richardjellis9186]

Fantastic job lads. Really enjoyed that.!

[@TheCooldude117]

They wouldn't have manufactured the chemicals on site I work in a paper mill and that seems very impractical considering the amount of chemicals we go through. All the equipment is for testing. They would have had an effluent plant too to dump water back into the river to a clean standard. That's what the beakers are probably for. You have to test the parts per million amongst other tbings. Also the stacks and stacks of paper are actually to put into the drinking process before putting it through to make the finished product

[@daznichols5561]

Amazing work guys thank you keep up the great work

[@noelruxton6819]

Class explore, lads. Well done.

[@Urbandoned]

Thanks bud, appreciate it

[@billiebluesheepie2907]

My dad used to work in a paper mill in Yorkshire, in the 1960’s and he said it was like hell on earth. Definitely consider wearing overalls, shoe and head coverings if you ever go into anywhere like that again, it will only take you 2 mins to put on - the huge amount of unstable asbestos in that place is terrifying - millions of it’s microscopic fibres will get all over you and it only takes one tiny bit to get in your lungs and you die in agony. Please stay safe, I love your work. Billie.

[@carlgrenfell4725]

I worked there for 10 years.....looks like I'm gonna die

[@divineeyeobserver754]

Wow, in the middle of nowhere , you can tell you enjoy your work, nice video bro

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you

[@michaeljohn2826]

Surprised their are not more former workers turning up in the comments for this one.. Perhaps they feel abit awkward about the naked pictures inside the lockers etc. But seriously would love to hear from some former workers potentially shedding some more light on what really happened so suddenly.

[@johorrocks8927]

Time stood still..great video

[@jfro5867]

If this was on TV I would watch it. Great stuff 👍

[@richardjellis9186]

5:45.. Here, in the labs, they wouldn't have made the chemicals that went into the paper. Chemicals (of which there are very few) would be brought in from other companies, They would have tested the strengths and textures of the paper, and checked the colour was exact, before it was produced, and at certain points throughout its production. I hate to see mills like this abandoned.!.

[@carlgrenfell4725]

Exactly right, and to check if it's the correct porosity.....I worked there for 10 years

[@drewmerecer2595]

This place looks epic might have to give it a go well done lads sick video as always

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers man good luck!

[@thefootballchank4658]

Nice job as always lads

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you

[@robertv8851]

I think paper is being made cheaper in other countrys,because paper mills here in usa a closed as well.

[@divineeyeobserver754]

I hope you realise how lucky you lads are being able to find gems that haven't been destroyed throughout by thieves and savages

[@Urbandoned]

A little bit of extra research and dedication means anyone can find places like these!

[@divineeyeobserver754]

@@Urbandoned I've seen a few of your vids, I do enjoy them, but to find somewhere clean, untouched at best, is an urban explorers dream lol. Keep up the good work bro.. stay safe

[@richardjellis9186]

W😲W.. Thought that you were starting the video from your bedroom there for a second.!🤣!.

[@UrbexArttu]

Great explore, like these videos👍

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you - appreciate that

[@richardjellis9186]

11:30... This is the 'wet' end of 2 separate machines.

[@wonkdonk3844]

Robert Fletchers paper mill greenfield/manchester. my old playing grounds

[@bobjeffray]

I visited that mill when I was on a papermaking course in the 80's Such a shame to see it like this now.

[@richardjellis9186]

4.25.. This is a full paper making machine. Not a "roller".? Whatever you mean by a roller.? The piece at 4.18 is the 'dry' end, where the finished paper makes its way onto a large tube(like a toilet roll), to go on for further treatment, like slitting into shorter rolls and then cut into sheets,, And the piece you then see at 4.21, is the 'wet' end, where the watery pulp is sprayed onto a moving gauze like belt, where the bulk of the water is squeezed out, before it makes its way into the main part of the machine, where it rolls round numerous large cylinders(4.26-4.32) that are filled with very hot steam, that dry the paper a little bit more as it rolls on to the next roller/cylinder. It looks to me that it's probably a machine that was installed anywhere between the 1960s through to the 90s. It's hard to date a lot of these machines, as they don't rust easily (as most of the metal work is either painted, or is stainless steel), as they work in a damp environment, and, are that expensive, that they are adapted to make newer products, rather than installing a whole new machine. I've seen machines that date from the early 1800s, computerised.!!! alongside 1990s machines that have replaced even older ones. They don't replace these machines without having a GREAT need to.!🤣!.

[@wendymcfadyen-allerby6142]

I found it odd stacks of paper was still there, super explore. Thank you

[@carlgrenfell4725]

I used to work there for 10 years, the stacks of paper are known as hardwood, it's a raw material in the making of cigarette paper, not the end product

[@ExplorerX]

It gives me a headache to imagine how long it took to make this. But well worth it. Nice one. Hope to go here someday soon too. But I bet my video wont even reach the ten minute mark before I slam my head on the desk. Haha

[@Urbandoned]

Thanks mate hopefully you can get it done!

[@richardjellis9186]

7.13.. This looks like pulp board, which is made at other companies, by mixing pulped trees with chalk, clay, starch and other ingredients, and bought in. It is then mixed with water, and any paper to be recycled, some colour dye, and sent to the paper making machines.

[@HuntersMoon78]

I never knew that there was so many abandoned building in my home country.

[@Urbandoned]

Neither did we, crazy isn’t it!!

[@JoolsUK]

It's all done in China now because those with MBA chose to have entire operations for all industries replicated in China.

[@theexcursionists7878]

Class video very jealous about you getting into this one

[@Urbandoned]

Thanks guys, one you should definitely do

[@davidbrewer7937]

The cost of disposing of things like chemicals, oil, asbestos & general waste outweigh the value of simply leaving the factory like this.

[@johnrayfield11]

So sad, brought down by cheap imports, i worked in paper for 25 years, and probably touched some of the equipment shown in this video.

[@decayurbex]

Good explore has always guys 👌

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers man!

[@radoslavkolev9816]

Amazing place!

[@Urbandoned]

Isn’t it?!!!

[@emmajoy9871]

Gah! I got busted in there. Glad to be able to see the rest of it.

[@aimeestrattonas]

What happens if you get caught in an abandoned building?

[@emmajoy9871]

@@aimeestrattonas nowt much happened to us. Security had called the police. We got a telling off and sent on our way.

[@aimeestrattonas]

Do you get a police record or anything? Or just a sturn telling off?

[@pilotgrrl1]

Excellent video. It seems you may have more paper mills to explore soon as Arjowiggins entered administration.

[@Urbandoned]

Yes we hope so, such interesting places as they were massive factors in the industrial revolution

[@CJUrbex]

nice vid as usual guys, must do a revisit here, one of my locals! been a few times and each time its different lol

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers CJ, definitely one to attempt again

[@nuherbleath461]

Literally down the road from my house, ill be dropping by there at some point

[@MrGaryRoberton]

What a waste of tech. I assume the old staff are all on the Costa Del Sol playing clock golf, and collecting pensions. Soon to be joined by a host of others. Thanks for the look-in!!

[@MrL4t3]

Cool place ... just saw a video of this place from Sam&Jess ...

[@richardjellis9186]

Millions of pounds worth of machinery, just left. HEART BREAKING.!😭😭😭!.

[@garrydavis3475]

Looks like a paper mill I used to know in Somerset my friend worked for

[@PyrateAsylumParanormalAgency]

Excellent work as always!!! #PyrateRulz

[@Urbandoned]

Cheers mate

[@michailokeefeMooMoo]

Amazing video

[@cocojo242]

Good one 👍

[@Urbandoned]

:):)

[@divineeyeobserver754]

Lovely music

[@KeithHambidge]

An industrial Goliath such a shame it’s all been left to root, I’m really surprised that some of the machines where not moved into a museum or even sold off for scrap A great time capture glad you persevered a fantastic explore

[@mohammednadeemanwar2213]

British Company Winsor & Newton closed down it London Factory in favour of making everything in France. W&N gets its paper made in China. How difficult would it have been for it be in UK, like Daler Rowney, and St Cuthberts Mill paper. Not many left in France either. Arches and Canson. Sad to see this go to waste. However I reference to fine art drawing and watercolour paper rather than tisuue or other paper types.

[@ronniesimpson3665]

This place is absolutely dripping with asbestos. Quite a lot is blue asbestos the most dangerous type of asbestos.

[@9700-p2d]

Does anyone know where this snouts this is

[@zver2435]

There's a clue at 1:30.

[@michailokeefeMooMoo]

Great video

[@markfarrell1712]

Walked past that building many times.

[@szucsmircea7705]

Where is this location I want to visit it as well

[@blacksmoke9419]

What is the intro track? 🎉

[@bremnersghost948]

sweet explore, nice to see someone sensible enough to wear a proper Mask

[@Urbandoned]

Thank you, especially in this facility there are toxic fumes which is why it is yet to be demolished I believe

[@richardjellis9186]

0:25... Can someone PLEASE tell me what this is all about.?🤔?. Is it an air ventilation system, with a choice of 2fans, to multiple areas 🤔, or are they 2 pumps, pumping from 2 unseen mixing vats, to a choice of machine 🤔. Thing is... I'd have thought that whichever of these options, a more AUTOMATIC system of valves for choosing which way, whatever is being moved, is to be directed, would have been installed.?🤔🤔🤔?. Or, am I missing something? I once sub-contracted to Croppers paper mill, in Burneside, near Kendal in the lakes, but, never came across ANYTHING that even remotely resembled this piece of equipment. In fact, I'll go as far as to say, there WASN'T anything like this in the whole mill, neither was there the remnants of anything. So I'm drawing a blank. Please, someone, put me out of my misery. Thanks, in advance. Rich UK 🥰

[@carlgrenfell4725]

I worked there for 10 years, just dont understand your question?

[@drewcyprus3714]

It’s an Air ducting system to feed 7 Rotaty pulp digesters. On the other side of that wall is 2 rotary Choppers that raw hemp and flax fibre would of been passed through. As you can see, the left chopper must have been running last because the ducting is attached to its fan at the bottom

[@ibexdnb2879]

I bet there is no copper wire left there though lol

[@roomullan3050]

They ruined that beautiful landscape in building that and now it’s left like a carbuncle in the beauty

[@dubsydubs5234]

Paying security makes sense you can't have people using anything there, the important thing is to just let everything rot and turn to shit, you can't have people benefiting in any way from it. 🤨

[@Mike-jx2uj]

If you could put a link to the mask you use I'd appreciate it

[@Urbandoned]

We used two in this video: one was a £3 from B&Q whilst the other was a £20 one from B&Q, where you have to buy a filter each time you use it

[@hitenvakharia1640]

Admin please confirm name and lication

[@kino-cathedral]

Fire is 299? Not 999???

[@kerry2368]

Love your filming. Can't stand the music.

[@FogartyAvenue]

Egg-ceptional egg-splore!

[@richardjellis9186]

It's never going to run again, so I wonder why they haven't just tore it down, rather than spend shit loads on security.?🤔?.

[@carlgrenfell4725]

How much money do you think it would cost to strip it all out and demolish it.......million?????

[@richardjellis9186]

10:52... Surely it's the 'how did this work' bug that ALL men have from childhood.!🤤🤤?. 🤣.

[@GWLAD]

So sad to see this British industry in tatters 🤬🤬🤬

[@joelvale3887]

So much waste of material that could be used.

[@гольф2бравобраво]

Нет королевы нет Англии😢

[@oliviawalker904]

Hi

[@Dave-K-Notts]

Why do we never mention where a place is? It’s not like hordes of people are suddenly going to descend on the premises! It’s so annoying. Puts me off.

[@PrincepsAve]

so easy to find m8

[@kino-cathedral]

Why did you wear masks?