I got the chance to explore a real gem just recently, the sort of place that would grab the attention of anyone interested in British industry and history. So where did you end up? I hear you ask? A glamorous and historical city such as York? Or maybe somewhere renowned for industry such as the

steel city of Sheffield? Well, no, not quite. I ended up in Grimsby of all places, not what you where expecting, right? Perhaps not, but what I found there, was simply stunning…

Grimsby was once home to a large and proud fishing fleet, a fleet so large that it required a factory of its own to produce ice to preserve fish between the catch and arriving on the market. Today Grimsby has a fleet of no more than two crewed fishing boats, the trawlers of yesteryear now long gone. Legislation from the European Union and the Cod wars are mainly responsible for the vast decline in Grimsby’s fishing fleet. Remarkably though the ice factory has out lived the fleet it was constructed to serve. Today it stands crumbling and forgotten but proud as a testament to an important part of Grimsby’s heritage. It’s sad to see the building in such a dilapidated state, but for some, the holes in the brick work and smashed windows are almost an invitation to get inside and find out what remains hidden within.

The factory was opened on the 7th of October 1901 as part of a joint operation between the Great Grimsby Ice Company and the Grimsby Co-Operative Ice Company. The factory was originally powered by four Cole Marchant and Morley triple expansion vertical steam engines. Having researched the factory and its early history, I wondered upon arrival if any of the old engines may still be in situ inside? Surely the scrap men must have stripped this building? Or perhaps the engines sold upon closure, it seems beyond reason that such expensive and historically significant equipment could possibly still be sat perishing inside this derelict building. Maybe the engines where sold upon closure? I decided to take a look, I made my move, excited at the thought of what might lie within, but still

cautious not to be seen entering the building. As soon as I stepped into the building I was plunged into darkness, the air was damp and the sound of dripping water could be heard. I pulled out my flashlight and began to carefully proceed further into the building. I couldn’t help but notice all of the different colours on the walls caused from the natural decay of the building over the past 25 years. Green mosses and ferns mixed in with the browns and oranges of rust and multiple colours found in the flacked paint made for a bright display, I think it’s fair to say that there’s a certain beauty in decay.

Although the factory was in a bad way physically, I was surprised to find most of the offices and machine rooms still rammed with paperwork and equipment.It was almost as if on that fateful day of closure in 1991, everyone had simply walked out and not returned. A quick check of the map and I find I’m just two more corridors away from the compressor room, as I arrive a single door stands between me and every urban explorers dream… Or potentially an empty room!

As I slowly open the large old creaky oak door, light begins to flood into the previously dark corridor. It blinds me for a few seconds as my eyes begin to adjust to the light from the dark. What I see before me is simply stunning. A large window with beams of light shining down on the four large J&E Hall compressors, covered in 25 years worth of dust and grime. These electrically powered compressors replaced the old steam engines that I expected to find in the 1930s. Still, a significant find, these being the only of their type believed to still be in existence in the world!

I was surprised and really quite shocked to see machinery of such historical importance and value simply sat, languishing and forgotten. It makes one wonder as you pass by a derelict or forgotten place just what may still lie within?

The The Great Grimsby Ice Factory Trust is looking toward the possiblity of restoring the factory building to its former glory. The trust has several exciting projects in mind, including a restaurant, art gallery and docks museum. It would be great to see the old factory saved from dereliction but the trust needs our help to make its dream become a reality.

Visit: www.ggift.co.uk , to find out how you can get involved and help save the factory.Disclaimer: The publication does not promote or encourage entering derelict or dangerous structures, do so at your own risk.

Every town or city, no matter where you find yourself, is bound to be full to the brim with hidden and lost spaces that are simply just sat, waiting to be

seen by the intrepid explorer. Believe me when I say everywhere, I’m not just talking about the huge sprawling metropolises such as London and Glasgow. Your local town or city is bound to have abandoned places just sat waiting to

be explored, chances are if you haven’t heard of one locally, it simply hasn’t been found yet.

HiddenGrimsby

The compressor Room, still complete with J&E Hall Compressors

The ice factory as seen from Grimsby Dock