Acton Forge
The Acton Forge Company, Acton Bridge, near Northwich
1815 Sale Notice: TO BE LET, OR SOLD, ALL that commodious and powerful IRON WORK and FORGE, with several Workshops and Warehouses, situate at Acton Bridge, on the river Weaver, four miles below Northwich, in the county of Chester.
The Forge comprehends two hammers, with iron helves, two pair of rollers for rolling bars and plates, a double blowing cylinder and receiver, with four blast fires, three air furnaces, two lathes for turning cast and wrought iron, and other necessary apparatus. The machinery, is wrought by two large cast iron water wheels, of more than adequate power, is turned with water from the river Weaver.
Also, a good Dwelling House, and Eight Cottages, spacious Boiler Maker's Yard, with suitable workshops for smiths and carpenters, other purposes; and a roomy stable, with barn, sheds, and compact Farm Yard.
These Works are in the centre of a good Market, have the advantage of water carriage to any part the country, being within a quarter of a mile of the Staffordshire and Grand Trunk Canal. Vessels of 80 to 100 tons burthen may be discharged on any part of the property. The situation for a Corn, Flint, or any other Mill, where great power is required, is perhaps unequalled.
The Stock of Iron, Tools, etc. may be taken at a fair valuation if required, and immediate possession had.
The premises are held by lease for a term, of which about eighty-four years are yet unexpired. For particulars, apply to Mr. Ryder, Acton Bridge, near Northwich ; or Mr. Wm. Sherratt, Salford Iron Works.'[1]
1832 'ACTON-BRIDGE, near Northwich, Cheshire. August 29th, 1832. THE PROPRIETOR of ACTON FORGE begs to inform the Public, that it has recently undergone a thorough repair, and now ready for work, and will be carried on as (until LET or SOLD,) under the firm of “The Acton Forge Company;" where may be had, Boiler Plates, Salt-pan Plates, Wrought-iron Shafts, Uses, Cart Arms, Stroke-iron, Suck Moulds, Maundrills of any dimensions, Hammered Bars, &c. &c.,—all of the best Scrap quality. Orders addressed to the Forge, or to Messrs. J. and T. Sherratt, Salford Iron Works, will meet with immediate attention.'[2]
1833 'WILLIAM SWIFT and SON (late of Bolton-le-Moors) respectfully announce to their friends and the public, that they have purchased from Mr. Sherratt, the Premises and Stock of ACTON FORGE, near Northwich, Cheshire, which they will enter upon on the 1st of January next. They have sufficient power and machinery to enable them to make shafts and uses of any form or dimensions, together with boiler plates, salt-pan plates, stroke iron, maundrills, hammered bars, cart arms, &c. &c., in the best possible manner, and they pledge themselves that they shall consist of the very best scraps, and be charged at the most moderate prices. Having the advantage of water conveyance to every part of the country, all orders will be executed with the utmost despatch.' [3]. Was this William Swift (2)?
1838 Advert: 'Sheet Zinc of the first Malleable quality and Toughness, Manufactored at the ACTON FORGE AND ROLLING MILL, near Northwich, Cheshire, Price 3d. per lb. cash.— Address to the Proprietors, Acton ; or Metal Warehouse, 10, Water-street, Liverpool.
Axles, Bar and Uses Iron, Hammered Iron to order,
Acton Forge and Mill.'[4]