Canal Side Mooring - The Hat Factory

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This shell is of Britannia Works Mill, commonly called the Hat Factory, which was once a world-renowned factory. Many refer to it's remains as an eyesore, and this view from my boat is a stark contrast from some of the picturesque views that I've grown accustomed to. However, I embraced the change because I find decrepit buildings intriguing.

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Its rotting skeleton stands a few meters from Atherstone Top Lock on the Coventry Canals, along a high-traffic canal route.


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Unfortunately, I was unable to enter the premises because Storm Darragh had just passed through, and the news hot off the press was that the building had blown onto the streets.

Looking from my windows, the news sounded like an exaggeration, and I was tempted to throw caution to the wind, but from the unsightly state of this dilapidated structure, anything was possible.


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Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and that's when I discovered that yes, it was a false alarm for boaters, but the storm had in fact wreaked havoc; debris from the main entrance of the factory went flying along the main road, and there were warning signs of danger as the council cordoned off the area as being unsafe.
Word has it that a petition has been signed pleading for the site to be demolished, but this has been an ongoing saga it seems.

Britannia Mill, The Hat Factory Atherstone, Dec 16, 2024.jpg

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Although this building is from the Imperial Times, there are private homes and residences situated around it, and not only would it be a massive disruption on the canal route if they did decide to demolish the old factory, it would undeniably be an annoying disturbance for the residents living nearby.

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I thought the remains of this relic were a perfect photo opportunity, so even though I was prohibited from venturing on, I could see from the boat that the building stands empty, and there appear to be shattered window panes only.

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I felt satisfied for taking these exterior photos; however, I kept wondering and guessing about the interior structure, in particular the flooring, ceiling, and lighting.

So much has changed architecturally, and I don't imagine the structure being intact or solid, but it would have been fascinating to see the materials and designs of its time. Also, the prevalence of windows is fascinating, and I'm guessing that having natural lighting was a priority of the designer. That makes sense though and would have been nice for workers to look out.

The location of the factory along the canals might have been strategic during the Industrial Times, as it would have been convenient for transporting the hats via canal boats, which was the main mode of transportation during that era.

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Despite all the news and speculations surrounding the future of this building, with many locals saying that this ghost will never die and that the building will be standing for another 50 years, I wasn't going to delay taking these photos.

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Across the canals, I peeked through these windows on the back side of the factory. The building stands empty, and there appear to be shattered window panes and some dilapidated furniture that was out of range for me to capture.

I think the remains of this relic are only good for photography, and even though this is all the exterior, I'm happy that I got this chance.

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Saying that, I doubt there will ever be access for people to go inside, as I can't imagine the flooring being intact or solid. It would have been fascinating to see the materials and designs of it's time.

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They sure don't make buildings like these anymore, and based on numerous windows, I think the architecture exceeded in utilising maximum natural lighting. Also, the proximity to the canals must have been convenient during the Industrial Times, when canal boats were the main mode of transportation, which makes it even more interesting.

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Despite many locals saying that this ghost will never die and that the building will detoriate for another 50 years, I wasn't going to delay taking these photos.

So, against the odds, let's say the council decided to invest funds into its demolition. I think it would be possible to erect a new structure because the base wall appears to be high enough with no threat of flooding.

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Wouldn't it be nice to have a housing facility overlooking the water?

All the images were taken by me.

Until next time.

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Maybe we can send @grindle and @slobberchops in for an exploration trip

No problem getting in, but Coventry is a little far for me, and likely the same for @grindle.

🤣 I thought about slobber chops, especially, and wondered just how far he'd have gone. I'm not that brave 😆

Our canals are fascinating and often where they pass through old defunct parts of our towns and cities, we find these kinds of places.

Parts of Reading are like this along the Kennet. Especially where the old biscuit factory was. Most of it has been regenerated though, in fact where the Oracle shopping centre is that used to be super decrepit!

That's an interesting building, indeed! I like the look of it and it has similar windows to the Hat Factory.

where the Oracle shopping centre is that used to be super decrepit!

We passed through Reading in June and I remember that shopping centre. I never would have thought so. The locks on the Kent were some of the most difficult ones I have ever operated and lots of sections along the canal were overgrown.
It was still nice to experience a new area though:)))

I’ve heard that being said before; regarding its upkeep in places. I am keen to walk more sections of the K&A next year in order to get to know it better.

!PIZZA

I am keen to walk more sections of the K&A next year in order to get to know it better.

I think it's a beautiful experience walking along the trails since you get the chance to take in as much as you desire.
Let's hope you have a great year and do get around to it. :)

That must really be an old building judging by the structure and if we are being honest, it's better to get the building removed for safety reasons even though it would be inconveniencing for a while.

Despite the terrible state, the building it's still quite photogenic 😂. I can imagine how spectacular it would be when it was nearly built.

Buildings like this in some parts of Nigeria would have been occupied by the homeless regardless of the condition.

Yeah, that building is past the point of no return and in need of a backhoe... But yes, it must have been quite a vision back in the day.

Buildings like this in some parts of Nigeria would have been occupied by the homeless regardless of the condition.

Even here too, but somehow not this building:)))

The building is definitely in a terrible state then, it's best taken down.

Enjoy the rest of your day...

You have a great day too:)

I do find old dilapidated buildings sad to see and wish they had bene kept in good condition, but I also find them cool to take photos of in a weird sort of way I guess

Thanks for joining the Wednesday walk
Have a great day

💯
It's a shame that they've allowed this building to deteriorate this badly, but I'm happy that I could share it here:)))
Have a lovely Wednesday!

Looks like the ideal place to stash some bodies take great photos! Would, after photos are done, get the hell out as quickly as I possibly can though :D

Stash some bodies

Haha! The same thought crossed my mind.
I'm surprised it's not squatted, but it's so dangerous that even the homeless wouldn't take the chance.
I'm always surprised that I've never felt creepy moored right next to it and waking up looking straight through those creepy windows 😝

I'm surprised it's not squatted

I was thinking the same thing!

I'm always surprised that I've never felt creepy moored right next to it and waking up looking straight through those creepy windows 😝

I think it's a weird effect that familiarity has, you know? The same way people who live in rough neighborhoods tend to think their neighborhoods are quite safe despite what people from other areas think :D

The same way people who live in rough neighborhoods tend to think their neighborhoods are quite safe despite what people from other areas think :D

💯%
I nearly fell victim to that when I was a teenager. I had accompanied a young lady into an inner city ghetto that was plagued with crime. My presence was not welcomed by the thugs and gangsters and it was a frightening experience for a 14-year-old. I discovered then that criminals don't discriminate, so I'm now weary of where I go:)))

Good morning dear friend @millycf1976 how are you?
I consider myself a fan of period buildings, it always makes me very sad to see these old buildings in this state
It would be good if this structure was recovered and restored as a historical monument
Beautiful photographs, I appreciate that you let us know about this old building
Have a nice morning

It would be good if this structure was recovered and restored as a historical monument

Yeah, that would be ideal, or even better if they made it a recreational convenient facility that boaters could use.
There's talk about an apartment complex or a senior home. It will be interesting to see what becomes of it in the next few years:)
Have a lovely Wednesday!

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Thank you @hive-up and @yaziris!
Much appreciated:)))

I often find such dilapidated buildings to have their own sort of charm to them as well. They often make great subjects for photos.

They often make great subjects for photos.

💯

What a fascinating old building! It looks rather forlorn with the windows broken and no maintenance. I bet the inside is just as big a mess as the outside.

I bet the inside is just as big a mess as the outside.

Hehe! I think you're right on the money there!
It is fascinating, indeed, and I'm wondering how different it will be when they eventually demolish it.
It would be something if they made flats/homes that had immediate access to the canals, because the homes on the opposite side all have gates (blocking the view of the water), because the towpath is on that side. 🤔

Could such a beautiful place with a stream running next to it be abandoned?

Yes, the canal is a busy route with dozens of boaters going by daily. I'm surprised that something drastic hasn't happened as yet, but this past week was a big scare and brought the factory back in the spotlight:)

PIZZA!

$PIZZA slices delivered:
@nicklewis(2/10) tipped @millycf1976

Thanks! Pizza is always a great idea 😋

You in Brum?

No, in Atherstone and we'll be moving on today or tomorrow:)

Cool picture location Milly. Those abandoned spots are such a piece of time. Broken windows where there was once so much activity. Keep rockin lady!

!LUV