Wilson & Stafford Hat Makers, Atherstone Oct '11

[mookster]

The Britannia Works in Atherstone was built in 1828 but Wilson & Stafford didn't gain full ownership of the site until 1896 as before then the site housed several different firms.

Wilson & Stafford were the last remaining felt hat makers in the UK until they went into liquidation in 1999.

Nowadays the factory is largely stripped bare but has a brilliant character especially on the very windy day me and Flubs visited. This was the start point of a three-day roadtrip, so over the next few days I'll post up most of what we found along the way as I don't want to flood the forum all at once!

Thanks for looking, more pics here http://www.flickr.com/photos/mookie427/sets/72157627723483013/

 

[Pincheck]

very nice mate ,like mills

 

[urbanisle]

Great pics love it

 

[TeeJF]

Another class offering bud!

 

[Black Shuck]

Brilliant stuff.. Urbex industrialis is always great.

 

[krela]

Very nice indeed!

 

[King Al]

Something a bit different! good stuff Mook

 

[klempner69]

Great shots fella..loving the first shot..reminds me of the opening scenes of Full Monty with the cortina in the canal!!

 

[Foxylady]

Really nice factory, that. Great atmosphere about it and lots of space with fab lighting...some of those areas would make fantastic art studios.
Nice one.

 

[borntobemild]

very nice pics.

Off at a slight tangent.

I met Philip Vero (Mr. Philip) of Vero and Everitt a few years ago. A nice chap. They used to make policeman's hats there.

 

[jholdaway]

Unfortunately storm Darragh got the better of this place and a large part of the front wall fell into the street. I believe that they are demolishing as much of it as they need to make it safe .

The full story can be read on Coventry Live