Robert Fletchers Paper Mill Admin Block

Robert Fletcher's mill is nestled in the valleys of east Oldham, with roots that stretch back to the Industrial Revolution. Initially owned by the Crompton family, it operated under the name Ralph Crompton and Nephews. Located in Stoneclough, Manchester, the mill began producing paper in 1829. At its peak, it was the exclusive manufacturer of cigarette paper, relying heavily on the water sourced from the surrounding hills, even before the Dove Stone reservoir was constructed, with water being channeled through a network of pipes from the Chew Valley.

For over two centuries, the mill has stood in this location, with Robert Fletcher & Son launching its cigarette paper production in 1921. At its zenith, the facility employed around 1,000 workers to manage seven paper machines.

However, by 1986, the company faced financial difficulties and was acquired by the Melton Medes Conglomerate, which successfully revitalized the business and returned it to profitability. Unfortunately, by 2001, the company encountered challenges once more, leading to the closure of its other facility, Stoneclough Mill. While some employees were reassigned to the Greenfield mill, the ongoing financial strain proved unsustainable, resulting in the company entering receivership. One day, workers were sent home with the hope of a resolution, but they never returned, leaving the mill in a state of suspended animation.

In early-2024 the mill was demolished and the site cleared leaving very little trace of what was once here, demolition had already started at the time of my visit which is visible in some of the below photographs.