"Nelson's Heritage Walk"
A walk Round About Warwick 2009
Compiled for the benefit of Warwickians and others by Anthony James Leahy
George Nelson Heritage Walk Warwick (The Gelatine Factory)
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The Saxon Mill |
The Saxon Mill is a former mill in Warwickshire, England situated about one mile northeast of Warwick. It is now a restaurant and bar. It is on the River Avon and it has a waterwheel, although a larger waterwheel has gone. The mill was originally called Gibbeclive Mill in the 12th century. It was the property of St Mary's Abbey, Kenilworth and the Augustinian canons until the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It was rebuilt in 1822. It was a working mill until 1938, and it was converted into a restaurant and bar in 1952. As of 2008, the restaurant has a glass window cut-away in the floor where the water can be seen flowing under the building. This is an Ideal Place to start and finish the Walk with an option of a nice meal in the restaurant or a cool beer on completion
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The Gelatine Factory |
Messrs Nelson, Dale and Co.'s factory is situated at Emscote, a hamlet lying between the towns of Warwick and Leamington, and abuts upon the Birmingham and London Canal. Knowing the extensive business of the firm we were prepared to see a large establishment; but on our arrival the area occupied by numerous buildings, the scale of operations, and the style and finish of the whole took us completely by surprise. The business was founded in 1839, but not a trace of age or of the gradual growth and accumulation of a rapidly-growing business was evident. The numerous handsome workshops and warehouses, occupying a space of fully five acres, have been erected within a few years, with all new machinery, modifications and improvements suggested by thirty years of practical experience, while the whole of the old plant has been discarded. The results have naturally been great improvement in the process of manufacture and great economy of labour; yet the increase of business keeps the number of hands employed up to between two hundred and three hundred.
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Nelson Village |
"It may be out of place if we refer to the fact that this Company seem to have fully comprehended the proper relations that should exist between Capital and Labour. The firm pay good wages and provide a very large number of their employes with comfortable houses of their own construction, which are built on a large estate adjoining the works, with due regard to comfort and sanitary conditions, and are let to them at most reasonable rents. Indeed, Nelson Village is quite a model colony, containing as it does, twenty-three work-men's cottages and two pretty villas for the Works Managers." Alfred Barnard 1899
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The Managers House |
Nelson Village is all but lost in the expanse of the Percy Estate these days but stands as a testament to the vision of the Victorian industrialist George Nelson. |
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The Lawn |
View of the Lawn with Emscote Mills in the Background The grounds were redeveloped for housing with the house and part of the lawns being retained. Emscote Lawn Prep School occupied the grounds for many years prior to its controversial sale.
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The Nelson Club |
At the foot of Charles Street, at the south end of the works, stands the "Nelson's Workmen's Club," a spacious building of handsome elevation, the cost of which was generously defrayed by the firm of G. NELSON, DALE & Co. The accommodation provided, includes on the ground floor a spacious entrance hall, an office, a public bar, a smoking and games room, library and reading room, lavatories, etc. A handsome staircase leads up from the hall to the first floor of the building, which contains three spacious and well-appointed billiard rooms, containing four tables by Burroughes and Watts, of the most approved kind and superior quality. At the back of the entrance hall is a fine theatre, 90 feet in length by 36 in width, which is used as a dining hall in the middle of the day, and has attached to it a large kitchen fitted up with furnaces, ovens and ranges on a very extensive scale, where the work people can cook their own dinners. The theatre or hall, which is fitted up to seat from 400 to 500 persons, possesses a stage fully equipped, with scenery which cost over £100. and a drop curtain recently painted by a London artist; adjacent are dressing rooms, lavatory etc. The stage is also furnished with the usual accessories for concerts, and has a fine toned piano by Collard & Collard.
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Rock Mill |
Mr. George Nelson, the founder of the firm, was born in Nottingham early in the year 1800, and both his father and uncle, were ruined by the American war. Of his Younger years little is known but that having shown a disposition to the study of chemistry, he was placed under the care of an eminent chemist at Nottingham, to whom he was afterwards apprenticed. After he had served his time and fully mastered his business, he removed to Leamington, where he started business on his own account, and later on migrated to the Rock Mills, where he started his gelatine factory. Here he was joined by his friend and cousin Mr. Thomas Bellamy Dale, who became a partner in the great business which is inseparably connected with their names.
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Old Milverton Church |
George Nelson was named after his father, the third child and first son of nine siblings. He married Sarah Philbrick. They lived in the small hamlet of Milverton, situated between Leamington Spa and Warwick. He is buried in St James churchyard overlooking Guys Cliff House and The Saxon Mill. |
Nelson's Heritage Walk
Allow Two to Three Hours for this walk (moderate)
(Can be cycled using all terrain/ mountain bike. Recommend walking along the footpath on Emscote road to Rock Mill Lane as the road is busy with traffic most days)
Also route for cars - suggest walking from Saxon Mill to Old Milverton Church though wherever possible.
The Saxon Mill is a good place to start and finish this walk where on completion you can have some ale and a good meal. Caution: the first part of this walk is along the busy Coventry Road.
Saxon Mill "Rocks Royal Cabinet" Album of Leamington and Warwick cir 1880
Turn left out of Saxon mill car park heading towards Warwick.
Walkers stay on the left in order to view the remains of the tree lined avenue that led to Guys Cliffe House. There is also a gate to the grounds that is almost hidden by undergrowth. This is a few meters from the Welcome to Warwick sign.
Cyclists are advised to cross over to the right of the road and use the cycleway (traffic is fast on the Coventry Road in and out of Warwick so take extra care when crossing ).
Postcard image by J J Ward of Coventry c1910 Reclaimed by nature 2010
Continue along keeping the wall to your left passing Guys Cliffe Lodge which is the entrance to the grounds leading to the chapel and house.
The following is probably the least interesting of the walk.
Continue towards Warwick passing the traffic island that leads to Percy Estate and Woodloes Park (home of the author of this walk)
Continue past the filling station / Store and on up the rise towards the canal.
Access to the tow path is on the right hand side of the road just before the bridge not quite at the crest of the hill.
Walk down the ramp then turn right (almost double-backing on yourself and continue on your walk passing under Bridge 49.
You will be heading in the direction for Leamington Spa.
Once through the bridge Kate Boat hire is to your right and in the distance Nelson's Gelatine Factory can just be seen.
The first building you come across is a modern extension after passing Delta Marine Boat fitters.
The Gelatine Factory is on the opposite bank and can be best viewed on passing so don't forget to look back.
At the next ramp leave the canal and turn left into Charles Street. (it is a little before bridge 48)
A factory (where the author once worked) is to your left and houses to your right.
Continue past the factory crossing Montague Road at the junction with Charles Street and Nelson Village stands before you.
Continue up the short rise viewing the workman's cottages and the two houses for Nelson's factory managers can be seen in All Saints Road.(top of Charles St)
Retrace your steps returning down Charles street back towards the canal.
Continue over the canal bridge towards Wharf street.
The Nelson Club stands proud opposite the junction of Charles Street and Wharf Street.
After viewing the Nelson Club continue your walk into Wharf Street
Cross over to the left hand pavement
There are houses to your left and the road and stores to your right.
Continue down Wharf Street where the Gelatine Factory will shortly come into view
We shall return to Nelson's Gelatine Factory but first turn left at the rails onto a walkway
and continue passing between two beautiful redwood trees.
A glimpse to the right will reveal the glimpse of the side of the magnificent Lawn (the home of the Nelson family.
Follow the pathway toward the trees and lawn and look toward the house and the lawn can be seen in all its splendour.
Continue (should you wish) to see the beautiful Avenue of trees situated to the west of the Lawn leading toward the house from its left and what appears to be a dead tree which stands a distorted sculpture. The line of Redwoods straddle the lawn and continue across what would have been the grounds when first planted.
Double back keeping the railings to your left and turn left down the path (keep railing to your left and modern cream house to your right.
The Nelson's Family home will be to you left Standing in all of its glory with a glimpse of the Gelatine factory to the rear.
Continue along path into residential parking area.
turn right keeping cottages to your left.
turn left on exiting between the two trees back into Wharf Street.
Nelson's Gelatine Factory stands on the opposite side of the road
before exploring the factory continue along wharf street until you arrive at the Nelson's Offices.
Retrace your steps and explore the wonderful old buildings of Nelson, Dale & Co's Gelatine Manufactury.
After leaving the factory continue back towards Charles street (stores will be on your left).
Turn Left into Charles Street and after the short climb return down the ramp to the Canal Tow Path.
Turn left at the bottom of the ramp heading towards Leamington Spa and the bridge at Emscote.
This view from the tow path once boasted the site of Kench's Mill (later to become Fleur de Lys pie factory)
Continue on passing under bridges 48 and 47.
After passing under bridge 46 climb the steps (or use ramp) and leave the canal.
(alternative (not recommended for cyclists) continue on towpath towards aqueduct and leave the canal following the river walk down the very steep steps to the river bank and through the field back towards the main Warwick to Leamington road. You will need to cross the road here but be warned it is very busy)
If exiting the canal at bridge 46 turn right and follow the pavement to the pedestrian crossing
To your left are the modern residential homes built on the site of Kench's Mill
Further down there are some shops to your right (Victorian) and Owens electrical store on the opposite side of the road
Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing turning right towards and head Leamington.
continue along the footpath after crossing Greville road and a bus stop continue over the river bridge.
Welcome to Royal Leamington Spa.
Keep to the footpath, hedge to you left (Traffic light junction to your right)
At the dip in the road turn left into Rock Mill Lane.
To your right across from the flood plain are the new buildings on the opposite bank of the river built on the old Potterton site.
In the distance lies Rock Mill the place where Nelson's Gelatine Manufactory began
It is best viewed from the new river bridge.
Note: The road that leads to the mill is marked as private (Accessed Left of Rock Mill Cottage)
I would suggest for a closer view of Rock Mill enter the field at the bridge then retrace your steps back to rock mill Cottage.
Follow the track to the right of the cottage there is a gentle climb to the Rock/Quarry which will be on your left. (Don't blink or you will miss it)
You will pass through some small green areas on route
Routes to residential housing are to your right,
keep tight to the left along the pathway
follow the track you will see the river to your left and greyhound track on the opposite bank
Continue down to a brook, crossing at the footbridge
Climb the embankment steps, through the trees and you will emerge into the field
At this point you can either cross the field passing the house on the hill heading towards Old Milverton Church as per route map or continue following the path keeping the field to your right.
If choosing to stay left of the field follow the path to the Saxon Mill the river is on your left.
This route gives a close look at Guys Cliffe Chapel as well as the ruins of the Guys Cliffe House.
Postcard image by unknown c1910
Continue on the path until you reach the bridge that leads to the Saxon Mill
You will need to take a right turn and follow the path up to Old Milverton Church.
The Grave of George Nelson overlooks the field facing the Saxon Mill.
George Nelson
Chemist and Industrialist
Born Nottingham 1800 - Died Milverton 1850
Retrace your steps back down the hill towards the Saxon Mill.
Cross the walkway and cobbled pathway leading to the river bridge.
Pause on the bridge and take in the beauty of the river as you look toward Guys Cliffe House.
Toss a coin to the river and wish for nothing.
Retreat to the Mill for a well earned meal followed by a glass of ale
Postcard image by J J Ward of Coventry c1910
Photography by Anthony James Leahy unless
otherwise stated (exceptions Nelson
Village & Rock Mill)
I hope you have enjoyed Nelson's Heritage Walk.
Regards
Anthony Leahy
for further information please explore links below.
"The Gelatine Factory"
Compiled for the benefit of Warwickians and others by Anthony James Leahy
A Walk in Warwick
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Rediscovering the Gelatine Factory Introduction
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The Gelatine Factory An account of 1899
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A Visit to Messrs. G. Nelson, Dale & Co. 1880
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Nelson's Today
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Mary Hooper |
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George Nelson
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T B Dale |
William Nelson |
Nelson Works Tomoana New Zealand |
Sir E Montague Nelson |
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Charles Nelson's Cement Works |
Charles Montague Nelson
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George Wyatt A city trade jubilee
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Guy Montague Nelson
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Nelson Village Charles St, Warwick |
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The Lawn at Emscote
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Nelson's Lozenges packaging & adds |
Descendants of George Nelson |
Mary Hooper Letters |
Mary Hooper Book Collection |
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Nelson's Home Comforts Mary Hooper |
Little Dinners Mary Hooper |
Cookery for Invalids Mary Hooper |
Every Day Meals Mary Hooper |
Hints on Cookery Mary Hooper |
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Good Plain Cookery Mary Hooper |
Handbook for the Breakfast Table Mary Hooper |
Weekly Telegraph Cookery Book Mary Hooper |
Our Dog Prin Mary Hooper |
Ways & Tricks of Animals Mary Hooper |
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Wives and Housewives Mary Hooper |
Lily's Letters from the Farm Mary Hooper |
Home Comforts |
Davis Gelatine |
Gelatine and its uses |
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Isinglass Wars 1852 v |
Charles Wentworth Wass |
Fleur De Lys Factory |
Nelson's Heritage Walk
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Poetry Anthony Leahy |
Paintings Anthony Leahy |
Art & Photography Anthony Leahy |
A Major Arcana Kathleen Forrest |
The Drumroom Anthony Leahy |
Book of Cookery and Home Comforts - A Present To My Wife Mrs Wigley
Book Wanted Handbook For The Breakfast Table
Book Wanted Wives and Housewives A Story For The Times
3 The Butts
