The oldest part of the works lied to the left of Egerton Road, shortly
after its turn-off from the Belmont road. At one point the remains
of an early manager’s house could be seen built into the works.
This is a typical example of a bleach or dye works in Lancashire,
built by a stream in a valley bottom. The stone walls, slate roof
and the highly functional design fitted well into the countryside.
Chemical bleaching using chlorine was introduced to Bolton in the
1790's by the Ainsworth's at Halliwell Bleachworks and the Ridgways
at Wallsuches Bleachworks in Horwich. Over 30 bleachworks have operated
in Bolton and its surroundings
