STEEPLEJACK'S CORNER 2012

[Spinningweb]

The final stages of the Maple Mill chimney demolition.

It was sad watching this as it was the last stack in that area of Oldham, which had been a landmark since it was completed in September 1903.

What interested me was the diameter - circumference of the curved Accrington bricks, and how this changes as the chimney rises.

[Stanley]

Jubilee chimney at Padiham. Note how the Victorian brickies put bricks in any old way if not supervised.

[Spinningweb]

I've seen that on mill pillar supports, including infill Accrington brick mixed with stock bricks.

On this press photo of the Maple chimney I noticed the top 25 courses of brickwork all round were splaying outwards, except the top course which had a banding strap, Swifty mentioned because the mortar had virtually gone on the top course through water damage the brickwork had expanded during the winters through no maintenance.

The photo isn't very clear, but just about shows the top banding strap sat on top of the second brick course.

[Stanley]

The brickies got the coursing right on that top course at least!

[Spinningweb]

The Duke Mill chimney in Shaw, Oldham, under demolition, once part of G.E.C. Osram, the mill in the distance is Cape Mill.