Big plans for Ellenroad Engine House Steam Museum

“Victoria & Alexandra”, the only working twin-compound steam engine first built in 1892 by J&W McNaught of Rochdale which powered all 122,000 spindles at the Ellenroad Mill

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2018 is set to be the start of a busy few years for the award-winning Ellenroad Steam Museum in Newhey, as plans have been revealed to install a new engine, and apply for Heritage England funding and formal museum status.

Zoe Attwood (née Renshaw), Chairwoman of Ellenroad Engine House Steam Museum, said: “Now that the Marsden has gone back to its owner after being loaned out long term, we have plans to restore an engine that originally was from Rochdale. It’s been sat in the car park for a number of years, and it will be a good fit.”

The restoration and installation is expected to cost around £15,000.

Ellenroad Engine House is also looking at becoming a formally accredited museum, a lengthy process which could take up to 18 months. Zoe also hopes the accreditation will help with their funding bid to Heritage England.

In addition to the ambitious long-term plans, Ellenroad has several events planned for 2018.

The ever-popular classic and vintage car shows will again return in May and October, which have taken place since 2013, attracting thousands to the home of the world’s largest working steam mill engine.

In addition to performances from the Saddleworth Clog and Garland Dancers in February, the museum is set to have a child takeover day with a 'make and take' event in March. Littleborough Oakenhoof will perform in June and the annual Christmas fair will take place as usual.

Ellenroad Mill was built as a mule spinning mill in 1890 by Stott and Sons and extended in 1899. It was destroyed by fire on 19 January 1916. After the war, a new ring-spinning mill was built and the engines were refurbished.

The museum opened in 1985 to ensure the preservation of Ellenroad Engine House and engines. Although the mill was closed in 1982 and its buildings later demolished, the engine house, steam engine and the boiler house chimney were all retained and maintained.

In 2011, the historical attraction was singled out for the ‘Heritage Award’ at the prestigious North West in Bloom Awards.

The following year, Ellenroad Engine House received an Engineering Heritage Award Institution from the Mechanical Engineers in recognition of its outstanding historical significance, housing the only working survivor of the great twin horizontal tandem compound steam engines that powered the largest Lancashire mills. Known as “Victoria & Alexandra”, the twin-compound engine was first built in 1892 by J&W McNaught of Rochdale and powered all 122,000 spindles at the Ellenroad Mill.

The Ellenroad Ring Mill Engine, regarded as the world’s largest working steam mill engine, is still steamed for demonstrations, making it the only such engine to still be operated on a regular basis.

Admission is £5.00 for adults; free admission for accompanied children.

Ellenroad Engine House is next open and in steam on Sunday 4 February. The first engine will run at 12;30 then at regular intervals throughout the afternoon.