Canal Side Mooring - The Hat Factory

This shell is of Britannia Works Mill, commonly called the Hat Factory, which was once a world-renowned factory. Many refer to it's remains as an eyesore, and this view from my boat is a stark contrast from some of the picturesque views that I've grown accustomed to. However, I embraced the change because I find decrepit buildings intriguing.

Its rotting skeleton stands a few meters from Atherstone Top Lock on the Coventry Canals, along a high-traffic canal route.

Unfortunately, I was unable to enter the premises because Storm Darragh had just passed through, and the news hot off the press was that the building had blown onto the streets.

Looking from my windows, the news sounded like an exaggeration, and I was tempted to throw caution to the wind, but from the unsightly state of this dilapidated structure, anything was possible.

Still, my curiosity got the better of me, and that's when I discovered that yes, it was a false alarm for boaters, but the storm had in fact wreaked havoc; debris from the main entrance of the factory went flying along the main road, and there were warning signs of danger as the council cordoned off the area as being unsafe.
Word has it that a petition has been signed pleading for the site to be demolished, but this has been an ongoing saga it seems.

Although this building is from the Imperial Times, there are private homes and residences situated around it, and not only would it be a massive disruption on the canal route if they did decide to demolish the old factory, it would undeniably be an annoying disturbance for the residents living nearby.

I thought the remains of this relic were a perfect photo opportunity, so even though I was prohibited from venturing on, I could see from the boat that the building stands empty, and there appear to be shattered window panes only.

I felt satisfied for taking these exterior photos; however, I kept wondering and guessing about the interior structure, in particular the flooring, ceiling, and lighting.

So much has changed architecturally, and I don't imagine the structure being intact or solid, but it would have been fascinating to see the materials and designs of its time. Also, the prevalence of windows is fascinating, and I'm guessing that having natural lighting was a priority of the designer. That makes sense though and would have been nice for workers to look out.

The location of the factory along the canals might have been strategic during the Industrial Times, as it would have been convenient for transporting the hats via canal boats, which was the main mode of transportation during that era.

Despite all the news and speculations surrounding the future of this building, with many locals saying that this ghost will never die and that the building will be standing for another 50 years, I wasn't going to delay taking these photos.

Across the canals, I peeked through these windows on the back side of the factory. The building stands empty, and there appear to be shattered window panes and some dilapidated furniture that was out of range for me to capture.

I think the remains of this relic are only good for photography, and even though this is all the exterior, I'm happy that I got this chance.

Saying that, I doubt there will ever be access for people to go inside, as I can't imagine the flooring being intact or solid. It would have been fascinating to see the materials and designs of it's time.

They sure don't make buildings like these anymore, and based on numerous windows, I think the architecture exceeded in utilising maximum natural lighting. Also, the proximity to the canals must have been convenient during the Industrial Times, when canal boats were the main mode of transportation, which makes it even more interesting.

Despite many locals saying that this ghost will never die and that the building will detoriate for another 50 years, I wasn't going to delay taking these photos.

So, against the odds, let's say the council decided to invest funds into its demolition. I think it would be possible to erect a new structure because the base wall appears to be high enough with no threat of flooding.

Wouldn't it be nice to have a housing facility overlooking the water?

All the images were taken by me.

Until next time.