Bealey's were established by 1732 as bleachers. Their works used large quantities of water so they built a weir (1811) on the Irwell with long feeder or millrace. In 1791 they produced sulphuric acid by the lead chamber process for sale & for bleaching. The Bealey family were philanthropic and are even today remembered for their generosity. I went to the works just before its closure to photograph what was left, there was no trace of the lead chamber plant, although the stone bases of their gas production plant were evident. The Bealeys were one of the most pioneering, and innovative companies of the industrial revolution. KH
