Ellenroad Ring Mill Engine

The Ellenroad Ring Mill Engine is a museum housing two large steam engines named Victoria and Alexandra that once powered a textile mill. These machines remain operational and demonstrate how mechanical force was transmitted through the factory floors.

The engines were installed in 1917 following a fire that destroyed the original mill building. They operated until the 1980s when the textile industry declined and the site was later preserved as a museum.

The engine house tells the story of how textile mills shaped working life in this industrial region for generations. Visitors can see how machinery defined daily routines and the scale of operations that employed entire communities.

Regular visits are possible on Tuesdays and Sundays, while special demonstrations with the engines running take place on the first Sunday of each month. Plan your visit to catch the machines in operation for the most memorable experience.

A massive flywheel connected to the engines powered spinning machines throughout the entire factory via rope drives and shafts. This clever system allowed a single energy source to run hundreds of individual machines across multiple floors.

Location: Rochdale

Website: https://ellenroad.org.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.60130,-2.10690

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:42