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Northwest Firsts

Cast iron beam -
the introduction of cast iron beams strong enough to span large distances was the work of Eaton Hodgkinson and Sir William Fairbairn for bridge building, in particular the Britannia Tubular Bridge across the Menai Straits. They also began the large-scale use of plated wrought iron. Fairbairn (1789-1874), an engineering giant, was responsible for a leap forward in boiler making and the invention of the riveting machine.

Guide to Industrial heritage attractions around the region

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Albert Docks

Albert Dock , The

Albert Docks is an unmissable day out. Explore the newly developed Liverpool Docks and trace the history of the dock from the thriving days as one of the world's busiest ports, to the modern visitor attraction it is today. details >>

Anderton Boat Lift

Anderton Boat Lift

Anderton Boat Lift is one of the greatest monuments to Britain's last canal age. Built in 1875 it was the world's first and is currently the UK's only Boat Lift. details >>

Anson Engine Museum

Anson Engine Museum

This award winning museum is dedicated to the preservation of the internal combustion engine - particularly those built in the Manchester area. It houses a unique collection of gas and oil engines, many maintained in running order and is now recognised as one of the Country’s leading specialist museums details >>

Astley Green Colliery

Astley Green Colliery Museum

Visit a former working mining colliery, now turned into a visitor attraction exploring the history of the mining industry in the area. details >>

Bancroft Mill

Bancroft Mill

A unique 600hp textile mill engine run in steam with original rope drive and Cornish hand-fired boiler. details >>

Barrow Bridge Cottage

Barrow Bridge Village

A small picturesque model village that was created during the Industrial Revolution. details >>

Beacon

Beacon, The

Situated on Whitehaven's attractive harbour side, The Beacon is home to the town's museum collection. details >>

Blackpool Tower at night

Blackpool Tower

Visit the world famous Blackpool Tower and enjoy a fun-filled family day out. details >>

Blackpool Tram

Blackpool Tramway

Take a trip on the world's first permanent electric street tramway and enjoy the views in the Northwest's most famous holiday resort. details >>

Boat Museum

Boat Museum, Ellesmere Port, The

Re-live the canal age and step back in time to experience life on the canals during the industrial revolution. details >>

Bolton Museum

Bolton Museum & Art Gallery

Bolton Museum recreates the history and heritage of the town from it's place in the Industrial Revolution to the present day. details >>

British Commercial Vehicle Museum

British Commercial Vehicle Museum

Visit this massive collection of fantastic working commercial vehicles from across the country. details >>

Catalyst

Catalyst

Housed in a building formerly used by Gossage’s Soap works, Catalyst tells the story of the rise of the Chemical Industry. details >>

Crewe Heritage Centre

Crewe Heritage Centre

Make tracks to Crewe and learn about the rich transport history of this important industrial town. details >>

Dock Museum

Dock Museum Barrow-in-Furness, The

Learn the story of Barrow and its rapid growth from a small farming village in the nineteenth century, to a town famed for its industrial production and innovation. details >>

East Lancs Railway

East Lancashire Railway

Discover The East Lancashire Railway and relive the golden age of steam. details >>

Ellen road Chimney

Ellenroad Steam Museum

Experience real steam power and see the world's biggest working steam mill engine. details >>

Florence Mine

Florence Mine Heritage Centre

Head underground and discover the heritage of one of Cumbria's oldest mines, now an insightful attraction for the whole family. details >>

Foulridge Canal Cruises

Foulridge Canal Cruises

Take a trip on the country's longest canal - the Leeds-Liverpool Canal. details >>

Transport Museum

Greater Manchester’s Museum of Transport

Find out about Greater Manchester's transport history with the Museum of Transport in Manchester. details >>

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