Login   |   Register   |   
Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Worsley Mesnes Ironworks

6 Comments

Worsley Mesnes Iron Works
Worsley Mesnes Iron Works
Photo: Mark Chapman
Views: 4,393
Item #: 21706
Here's a photo of my Dad Brian Chapman as a 17 year old enginering apprentice in 1951.
From left to right, Max Taylor, Brian Chapman & Geoffery Peel.

Comment by: AP on 24th October 2012 at 18:28

What is the contraption that they are standing around?

Also, Can anyone tell me, please, when Worsley Mesnes Ironworks ceased?

Comment by: gordon taylor on 21st August 2013 at 00:44

It closed down in 1967 I was an apprentice and finished my time at gullicks

Comment by: Robert Melling on 25th September 2013 at 19:52

I believe that the "contraption" is a winding-speed controller for the colliery winding engines made by WMI - invented and patented by my great-great-uncle John Melling, this and other designs from the 1880's onwards (which I have drawings of) must have protected and probably saved many lives over the years. Such controllers were made compulsory in the early 1900s I believe. WMI was started and run by my family - Thomas, John and Samuel Melling and descendants.

Comment by: Norman Wignall on 25th October 2016 at 19:55

I Worked at W M I in 1944 as an apprentice until 1951.
Returned after 2yrs National Service for a couple of years
I remember working with Max Taylor on a job in South Wales
Jeff Peel was an apprentice with me and died very young

Comment by: Ronnie Fletcher on 4th September 2021 at 21:28

I was good mates with Norman Wignall when we were both at WM Ironworks as lads. We lost touch but I would love to know how he is if he’s still around. I’m 90 now. Please pass on the email address and my daughter will reply for me

Comment by: CHRISTINE MARSDEN on 1st July 2022 at 13:08

My dad worked there in the 1920s.

Leave a comment?

* Enter the 5 digit code to the right of the input box. Don't worry if you make a mistake, you will get another chance. Your comments won't be lost.