Steam Hammer

I had to head to the Trafford Centre after work - the frames on one of the pair of new specs I had bought earlier in the year had fallen apart, the replacement had arrived. Sorting that out had to be followed by a pizza.

On the way I stopped inside the entrance to the Nasmyth Business Park, located on the former site of the Naysmyth works. This was where James Naysmyth invented and then produced his steam hammers, one of those inventions which drove the industrial revolution forward.

Tucked to one side, entirely encircled by a stout metal fence is an 1851 steam hammer set in a mirrored frame of sorts. I like the reflections.

There is a small sign mentioning the heritage lottery fund, but no reference or explanation of the history here. Maybe there was, but it has disappeared.

Directly opposite, a derelict industrial building advertising Israeli Martial Arts (whatever that is) on a banner outside. The site now has planning permission for new housing, so this area is gradually becoming less industrial and more residential in character.