This time with Atlas in the photo 1985 just prior to the forges demolition. Atlas was removed and mounted in Folds Rd

 

1874 Jan 8th About ten minutes to three o'clock this afternoon, a terrible boiler explosion, resulting in shocking loss of life, and great destruction of property, occurred at the Atlas Forge, belonging to Mr Alderman Walmsley, in Bridgeman-street, Bolton. The work of this vast establishment was proceeding calmly and methodically, when a loud report which shook the whole neighbourhood, was heard. After the booming reverberation had finished, and the cloud of dust and steam has passed away, the wreck that was discernible was most complete. Bodies of men and boys who were a few minutes working in the vicinity of the boiler were found lying amongst the ruins. Large crowds of persons assembled in Fletcher-street, Bridgeman-street, and the adjoining outlets to the scene of the terrible catastrophe as news of the explosion spread like wildfire. It is understood that six men were killed and many injured.

1947 Jan 29th Thomas Walmsley and Son, Ltd iron manufacturer are the first to install a new oil-fired billet reheating furnace in their forge to replace what is now one of the old-fashioned coal-burning type. It is expected that the new design will prove to be twice as efficient as the design now in use.

Atlas Forge which closed in 1974 was the last manufacturer of wrought iron, using the traditional "puddling" method, it was an old-established process which died out by the 1970’s. Fortunately, the Ironbridge Gorge Museum was able to acquire much of the plant from Atlas Forge and re-erect it at Blists Hill inside an iron-framed building rescued from Woolwich Dockyard in London.

There was also a pub call Atlas Forge at the top of Venture St