The Northern Mill Engine Society opened its original museum at Atlas Mills in 1983 with five restored steam engines of various types on display. Steaming days were held six times a year using steam initially from the Atlas Mills boilers then later from our own package boilers.
Disaster struck in 1990 when we were informed that Morrisons Supermarkets plc had bought the site for redevelopment and the museum was to be demolished. However, the company proved to be extremely helpful and agreed to relocate us to an old Cotton Store warehouse at the rear of the site.
Since 1992 the Society, operating on an entirely volunteer basis, has been rebuilding the engines - that now number about 27 - in the new building. The engines are a cross-section of the main source of power that was used in the North West cotton mills, and the display is now one of the largest collections of stationary steam engines anywhere in the country.
Apart from our working steam days, the Museum is unfortunately not yet regularly open to the general public but visitors are welcome by prior arrangement on Wednesdays and Sundays to view the engines statically.
Visits can be arranged at other times by contacting John Phillp, Hon Secretary. Tel 01257-265003 or email john.phillp@blueyonder.co.uk. Society Membership details are also available from the same contact.
PUBLIC STEAM DAYS 2013:
Sunday & Monday 5 - 6 May
Sunday & Monday 26 - 27 May
Sunday & Monday 25 - 26 August
Saturday & Sunday 14 - 15 September
Saturday & Sunday 28 - 29 December
10 am - 4pm
Now that we have our boiler in full operation, almost all the engines will be working in steam.
There is no admission charge, but if you wish to make a donation to help cover the cost of running the boiler to make the steam, it will be most appreciated since we receive no other form of grant-aid.
The museum is located on Morrisons Supermarket site (next to the petrol station) on Mornington Road, off Chorley Old Road, Bolton
There is a downloadable map on our website (see link below) and the postcode is BL1 4EU for people with Satnavs
