Geograph - photograph every grid square

This area was formerly known as Knowley Moss. It was christened “Botany Bay” during the time that it was being used as a base for navvies building the Lancaster Canal (now part of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal); locals likened it to the penal colony in Australia. (Link - towpathstreks.co.uk)

After the building of the canal, several mills developed in the area. This one, Canal Mill opened in 1856 and was used to manufacture various cotton goods until the late 1950’s when it closed down due to a general decline of the cotton industry.

After ceasing textiles production, the mill was used for truck and vehicle repairs until the early 1990s, when it was turned into a “Themed Visitor Attraction” which officially opened on the 1st December 1995.
Link - Botanybay.co.uk