bed breakfast warrington, cheshire uk, business hotel warrington, tourist holiday travel, weekend break accommodation, lodge, traveller, northwich, bed breakfast warrington

You may find this relevant information helpful when researching the area prior to your visit

Samuel Greg, the founder of Quarry Bank Mill, was born in 1758, the third son of Thomas Greg, a Belfast merchant. Although generally successful in his business ventures, Thomas Greg often suffered periods of financial difficulty. He had 13 children so when his childless brother-in-law, Robert Hyde, offered to adopt Samuel in 1766 he readily accepted. It was a significant event in the history of Quarry Bank Mill for Robert Hyde himself was a textile merchant in Manchester. Samuel entered the business, first as an European traveller in 1778. He became a partner in 1780 and then sole owner two years later.

In 1783 Samuel made several forays into the countryside around manchester searching for a suitable fast-flowing river where he might build a new mill. The site at Styal, just north of Wilmslow, on the River Bollin, proved ideal. The Mill was purpose-built to house the revolutionary new spinning machines on land leased from the Earl of Stamford and Warrington in 1784. A weir and headrace channel were constructed and a water wheel installed. Greg very quickly turned the Mill into a profitable concern. It was greatly extended between 1796-1801, and again between 1817-22. Between the years 1834-75 the Mill was further extended and altered to accommodate power looms. The enlarged Mill demanded more power and steam engines were introduced from 1810 onwards to supplement the water power, especially during the drier summer months.

Production continued at Quarry Bank Mill throughout the 19th Century, but the declining fortunes of the English textile industry took their toll. The Mill and its estates were donated to the National Trust in 1939, though the Gregs continued to operate it until 1959. For a while various parts were sub-let to small industries, but the buildings were in dire need of restoration. In 1978 the site was opened as a museum and in 1984, 200 years after its founding, it won the coveted Museum of the Year award. Today it is recognised as being one of the most complete Georgian mills in England, with many original features, and is an important part of our industrial heritage.

Tatton Park is one of England's finest historic estates. Its two historic houses are set in 1,000 acres of beautiful rolling parkland with lakes, tree-lined avenues and herds of red and fallow deer. Award-winning gardens, a working farm, speciality shops and a superb programme of special events create a great day's entertainment for all the family.

Mansion The richly decorated neo-classical mansion is a house full of treasures, including magnificent collections of furniture, glassware, porcelain and fine art. Memorabilia of the Egerton family, owners of Tatton for nearly 400 years, are especially interesting and the enormous Victorian kitchens and servants quarters offer a glimpse of the lives of the rest of the household.

Tudor Old Hall and Farm Take a tour around the 15th century Old Hall to get an insight into the history of the estate and its people up until the present day. Also, the working farm with its rare breeds brings to life the sights, sounds and smells of a bygone rural life.

Gardens The superb gardens are full of delightful surprises from all parts of the globe. Successive generations expanded the range of features and specimen plants according to their own taste and style of the times.