SJ5396 : Site of Stanley Mill Iron Slitting Mill
taken 10 years ago, near to Haydock, St Helens, England
Stanley Bank is a picturesque area and is the gateway to the Sankey Valley and has itself a rich historical and natural importance.
Set in the Lancashire Coal Field, Stanley Bank was important in the link between industry and transport. The St Helens Canal, the first industrial canal in England was completed in 1757 to transport coal from pits around the Stanley Bank, Laffak, Haydock, Garswood and Pewfall areas to the markets of Cheshire and Liverpool. Capitalising on this transport artery and the abundant local coal allowed the area to be exploited for other industries, such as copper and iron working.
Stanley Bank is now an interesting place to visit; over time, nature has healed the scars of industry and nowadays wildlife abounds with nationally and locally important natural areas with species-rich grassland, wetland and ancient woodlands. The grasslands, include the nationally important Stanley Bank Meadow, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).