he glass factory in Knottingley, West Yorkshire, England, has a long and rich history. Glass has been made on the same site for over 130 years, and Yorkshire glass making dates back to the seventeenth century. The area originally provided everything that was needed for glass production: coal for power, raw materials and both canal and rail transport.
The first glass factory on the site was founded in 1871 by William Bagley, his cousin John W. Bagley, and John Wild. The factory initially produced glass bottles, but in 1912 it branched out into leaded crystal and pressed glassware under the name The Crystal Glass Company. Bagley Glass continued to produce a wide range of glassware for many years, including tableware, decorative pieces and industrial products.
In 1994 the former Bagley Glass factory was acquired by the Stölzle Glass Group of Austria. Stölzle Flaconnage Ltd, as it is now known, is still in operation today and produces high-quality glass packaging for the cosmetic and perfume industries.
The glass factory has played an important role in the life of Knottingley for many years. It has provided employment for generations of local people and has contributed to the town's economy. The factory is also a significant local landmark and a reminder of Knottingley's rich industrial heritage.
Knottingley and the River Aire
Knottingley is a town in West Yorkshire, England, situated on the River Aire. The town has a population of around 15,000 people and is located about 6 miles south of Pontefract.
The River Aire is a major river in Yorkshire. It rises in the Pennine Hills and flows through Leeds, Wakefield and Pontefract before joining the River Ouse at Goole. The river has been important for navigation and trade for many centuries.
The glass factory in Knottingley has always relied on the River Aire for transport. In the early days, raw materials were delivered to the factory by barge and finished products were shipped out in the same way. Today, the river is still used to transport some goods, but the majority of traffic now arrives by road.
Conclusion
The glass factory in Knottingley is an important part of the town's history and economy. It has provided employment for generations of local people and has contributed to the town's growth and development. The factory is also a significant local landmark and a reminder of Knottingley's rich industrial heritage.
The River Aire has also played an important role in the development of the glass factory. It has provided transport for raw materials and finished products for many years. The river is still used for some transportation today, but the majority of traffic now arrives by road.
Drone Video in Knottingley
Here is the Drone Video that I shot whilst there
Google Map of the area, showing Allied Glass
A few photos that I took whist there
More places to visit
Take a look at more weird and wonderful places to see in the UK