Horwich Works

The long brick built workshops had full-height arched windows and were separated by tram and rail tracks.

Two small 0-4-0 tank locomotives were bought from Beyer, Peacock and Company in 1887 to haul stores trains around the site, and six more were acquired at intervals to 1901.

[3][4] John Ramsbottom was hired from semi-retirement by the L&YR to advise on a new site for locomotive construction and repairs.

Between 1891 and 1900, 230 0-6-0 tender engines designed by Barton Wright were rebuilt as 0-6-0ST saddle tanks, LYR Class F16.

The "Crabs" continued in service with British Railways' London Midland and Scottish regions until the last two survivors were withdrawn in early 1967.

Three of the four post-grouping railways had Chief Mechanical Engineers who had served at least part of their apprenticeship or early career at Horwich.

These were George Hughes and Henry Fowler of the LMS, Richard Maunsell of the Southern, and Nigel Gresley of the London and North Eastern Railway.

During 1948 twenty LMS Ivatt Class 4 tender engines were completed, twenty-seven followed in 1949, with twenty-four in 1951, followed by a single locomotive in early 1952.

[9] The site was proposed for mixed-use development in 2010 to include 15 to 20 hectares (37 to 49 acres) of land for employment and up to 1,600 houses within a timescale extending from 2013 to 2026.

[10][11] The proposal was adopted as council strategy in 2011, and supplementary planning guidance was released in 2012 designating part of the site for preservation.