WikiWirral Online with you since 2003, fantastic.
Forum Statistics
Forums65
Topics76,352
Posts1,033,281
Members14,560
Most Online16,551
Feb 2nd, 2024
Who's Online Now
9 members (ArranGirl13, 3 invisible), 8,070 guests, and 433 robots.
Key: Admin, Global Mod, Mod
Top Posters
sunnyside 45,164
MattLFC 22,315
Mark 21,269
granny 17,788
_Ste_ 16,345
Newest Members
Kalena1962, rattus, Lisrush, Emotecreative, ArranGirl13
14,560 Registered Users
New General Forums
New Wirral History
Tall Brick Chimneys
by diggingdeeper - 16th Mar 2024 11:56am
D.I.Y. / Building Shop
by mharford91 - 3rd Mar 2024 8:53pm
1970's Murder in Central Park, Wallasey
by cutespam - 4th Aug 2018 10:28am
Old Hall in Higher Bebington
by Rhoobarb - 25th May 2010 5:55pm
Oleo Works
by Ducko - 14th May 2008 3:09pm
Top Posters(30 Days)
granny 14
casper 13
bri445 4
Topic Replies
What song are you listening to?
by diggingdeeper - 28th Mar 2024 6:06pm
Facial recognition coming in supermarkets?
by diggingdeeper - 27th Mar 2024 3:50pm
Bolts at Bebington Road
by diggingdeeper - 27th Mar 2024 2:33am
Hot Spot Chippie Broadway
by Excoriator - 26th Mar 2024 7:57pm
Tall Brick Chimneys
by diggingdeeper - 26th Mar 2024 5:43pm
Lost river (Well, brook really)
by diggingdeeper - 26th Mar 2024 3:09am
Old Hall in Higher Bebington
by diggingdeeper - 24th Mar 2024 5:58pm
Netflix 3 Body Problem.
by BultacoAstro - 22nd Mar 2024 8:04am
Wisper electric bike. 36v .
by Dilly - 21st Mar 2024 7:36pm
March
M T W T F S S
1 2 3
4 5 6 7 8 9 10
11 12 13 14 15 16 17
18 19 20 21 22 23 24
25 26 27 28 29 30 31
Top Likes Received (30 Days)
Kylix 1
cools 1
Top Likes Received
bert1 14
Mark 4
granny 3
casper 3
Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3
#322598 23rd May 2009 11:21pm
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
This site has a number of names

Royal Ordnance Factory Hooton
ROF Hooton
ROF Willaston
ROF No 10
ROFTEN

Some of the original large buildings are still in existance and are being used by various businesses. ROF Hooton was a temporary factort set up for WW2, after the was it was handed over to Williams & Williams as part of the policy of disposal of temporary ROF sites. The site is approximately 30 acres (pretty big).

Many of the main site buildings are alive and well and are in use by various businesses as part of the ROFTEN industrial estate. I was looking in the surrounding woodland hoping to find something of interest. I already knew there were three pill boxes near to the site.

Part of the site is being used by a rubble recycling company which blocks off some views, another part of the site has been used as an off-road 4X4 track and also apparently (by the thousands of cartridges) as a twelve bore shooting site. There are loads of rabbits in the vicinity.

The site is right next door to Hooton station and even the car dealers on Hooton road are using some of the ROF buildings.

What did I find, I found two destroyed pill boxes on-site, 3 intact pill boxes on the wirral way (which goes round the east and south sides of the site) and also one derelict building.

Pictures to follow ....


Attached Images
Hooton-rof-aerial.jpg (36.12 KB, 464 downloads)
Aerial view of ROF Hooton
Last edited by diggingdeeper; 23rd May 2009 11:24pm.
Google Ads
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Here are some pictures of the main buildings, most of which are in use by businesses.

Note the main factory has the railway going through the building.

Attached Images
IMG_0552s.JPG (47.02 KB, 473 downloads)
IMG_0553s.JPG (68.35 KB, 516 downloads)
IMG_0555s.JPG (42.37 KB, 515 downloads)
IMG_0556s.JPG (48.04 KB, 504 downloads)
IMG_0559s.JPG (35.78 KB, 508 downloads)
IMG_0560s.JPG (37.18 KB, 540 downloads)
IMG_0563s.JPG (54.12 KB, 532 downloads)
IMG_0568s.JPG (53.98 KB, 532 downloads)
IMG_0596s.JPG (50.07 KB, 528 downloads)
The railway went through the building!
IMG_0597s.JPG (49.65 KB, 534 downloads)
IMG_0598s.JPG (38.99 KB, 528 downloads)

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Here are the first two on-site pill boxes - deperately trying to remember if there were three actually - maybe - but only photos for two.

The second one had a double culvert next to it which may have been a brdige, hence the pillbox

Attached Images
IMG_0557s.JPG (102.57 KB, 516 downloads)
First destroyed on-site pillbox - ROF Hooton
IMG_0558s.JPG (106.5 KB, 515 downloads)
First destroyed on-site pillbox - ROF Hooton
IMG_0569s.JPG (111.57 KB, 516 downloads)
Second destroyed on-site pillbox - ROF Hooton
IMG_0570s.JPG (123.99 KB, 512 downloads)
Second destroyed on-site pillbox - ROF Hooton
IMG_0572s.JPG (117.86 KB, 508 downloads)
Culvert - one side
IMG_0573s.JPG (89.49 KB, 508 downloads)
Culvert - other side.

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
The first pillbox I found by the wirral-way, this is in very good condition and has/had an interesting layout (though one internal wall has been removed).

Attached Images
IMG_0574s.JPG (107.8 KB, 502 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0575s.JPG (82.94 KB, 498 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0576s.JPG (83.19 KB, 499 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0577s.JPG (93.16 KB, 502 downloads)
IMG_0578s.JPG (55.4 KB, 493 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0579s.JPG (70.26 KB, 493 downloads)
IMG_0580s.JPG (62.68 KB, 489 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0581s.JPG (74.51 KB, 486 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 1
IMG_0582s.JPG (104.85 KB, 479 downloads)
IMG_0583s.JPG (120.16 KB, 477 downloads)

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Next pillbox by Wirral Way - this one was a lot harder to spot.

Attached Images
IMG_0588s.JPG (90.63 KB, 482 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 2
IMG_0589s.JPG (92.38 KB, 476 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 2
IMG_0590s.JPG (81.05 KB, 479 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 2

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Last pill box, this is on-site but by Wirral way, I didn't see it the first time I went past, even though I had been about 15ft from it (as a preverbial bat!).

Attached Images
IMG_0591s.JPG (111.94 KB, 473 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 3
IMG_0592s.JPG (105.63 KB, 475 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 3
IMG_0593s.JPG (117.72 KB, 471 downloads)
ROF Hooton/Wirral Way Pillbox 3

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
There was this one (non-pillbox) building that was hidden in the trees, this is derelict but was in use in the 1970s. This may look remarkably to a building that 28daylater (28dl) described as a childrens home??????
28dl Kids Home???

Doesn't look like any children's home to me!!!

Attached Images
IMG_0599s.JPG (120.48 KB, 466 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0600s.JPG (61.77 KB, 460 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0601s.JPG (47.52 KB, 458 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0602s.JPG (52.46 KB, 460 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0603s.JPG (49.28 KB, 455 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0604s.JPG (73.4 KB, 449 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0605s.JPG (60.27 KB, 452 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0606s.JPG (41.86 KB, 455 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0607s.JPG (54.36 KB, 452 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0608s.JPG (104.46 KB, 440 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0609s.JPG (101.45 KB, 438 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building
IMG_0610s.JPG (122.56 KB, 436 downloads)
ROF Hooton derelict building - the west side of the building - great camouflage.

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
That's the last of the pictures (thank god they say), this ROF site, like RAF West Kirby has been well cleansed, even in 1970 there were quite a few buildings in the woodland that have now gone. Had a good day looking though - if you don't look, you won't find.


We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,627
Likes: 14
Wiki Veteran
Offline
Wiki Veteran
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,627
Likes: 14
Very good DD. At the beginning of the thread you mentioned the site was handed over to Williams & Williams for cleaning up. Do you know anything on that firm Williams & Williams, during WW2 my mother worked for that company making Jerry cans, apparently she gained welding skills. As far as i know it was in Chester.


God help us,
Come yourself,
Don't send Jesus,
This is no place for children.


Bertieone.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,644
Keep It Real !!
Wiki Guide
Offline
Keep It Real !!
Wiki Guide
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,644
wow you have been busy


[Linked Image from ]





P
Pinzgauer
Unregistered
Pinzgauer
Unregistered
P
Good work dd. Presume you spotted the somewhat bizarre/Darlek looking Fire Watcher's shelter in your 5th photo down. It's on the gantry behind the 2 long black buildings.

There were 2 of these on that gantry. They are "Consol" Shelters. Made for firewatching duties. Made of thick mild steel plate with an access door. Few of these survive.

I've some close-up prints of these together with a war time advert for them. At Chris's next weekend, so hopefully he can scan the info. and post same. Watch this space !

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Pinz - I meant to take a picture of that "bell" when I did my second pass. I've blown it up from the hi-res piccy here. Can you give some more information on this - was it for the fire lookout to hide in if he found himself doing a Guy Fawkes?


Attached Images
IMG_0559-2.JPG (47.14 KB, 408 downloads)

We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
P
Pinzgauer
Unregistered
Pinzgauer
Unregistered
P
Yes, that's right. It was a measure of protection from shrapnel and other bits of flying joy and delight during an air raid.

I think the main duty of the Firewatcher was to spot any incendiary bombs that fell onto the roof and then tackle any blaze before it got out of hand.

You can just make out the lifting eye on top. Must have been craned up. I shudder to think how much they weigh. Saw an old one being used as a shelter for the shotfirer in a N.Wales quarry. From memory, the steel was at least half an inch thick !

What a great garden shed !!!

Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Wiki Master
OP Offline
Wiki Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 14,344
Likes: 19
Originally Posted by bert1
Very good DD. At the beginning of the thread you mentioned the site was handed over to Williams & Williams for cleaning up. Do you know anything on that firm Williams & Williams, during WW2 my mother worked for that company making Jerry cans, apparently she gained welding skills. As far as i know it was in Chester.
Williams & Williams main business was making metal window frames, the Hooton site made standard sized frames for the building industry, the Chester site made Aluminium Curtain Walling. They took over the Hooton site on 21st April 1945.


We don't do charity in Germany, we pay taxes. Charity is a failure of governments' responsibilities - Henning Wehn

https://ddue.uk
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,019
Wiki Veteran
Offline
Wiki Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,019
Loving the urban exploration DD. Some good sh**in specs too!


Uncertainty or not knowing causes depression, Im happy because I know I'm going to die one day!
Page 1 of 3 1 2 3

Moderated by  Mod 

Link Copied to Clipboard
Random Wirral Images

Click to View Topic.
Newest Topics
Facial recognition coming in supermarkets?
by Excoriator - 27th Mar 2024 10:52am
Hot Spot Chippie Broadway
by Excoriator - 26th Mar 2024 7:57pm
Bolts at Bebington Road
by Excoriator - 23rd Mar 2024 9:48am
Netflix 3 Body Problem.
by BultacoAstro - 22nd Mar 2024 8:04am
Tall Brick Chimneys
by diggingdeeper - 16th Mar 2024 11:56am
For Sale & Free
Wisper electric bike. 36v .
by Dilly - 21st Mar 2024 7:36pm
This is Elvis
by GingerTom - 17th Mar 2024 2:37pm
Member Spotlight
Dilly
Dilly
wallasey
Posts: 8,973
Joined: July 2011
Today's Birthdays
There are no members with birthdays on this day.
New Wirral Info
Facial recognition coming in supermarkets?
by Excoriator - 27th Mar 2024 10:52am
Hot Spot Chippie Broadway
by Excoriator - 26th Mar 2024 7:57pm
Bolts at Bebington Road
by Excoriator - 23rd Mar 2024 9:48am
Get your Money Tree ready
by keef666 - 22nd Mar 2023 12:27pm
Restaurant/pub with outdoor seating - Bromborough
by CarterUSM - 7th Aug 2020 7:59pm
News : New Topics
Gaza
by diggingdeeper - 29th Oct 2023 9:28am
Lost river (Well, brook really)
by Excoriator - 10th Sep 2019 8:50am
New Enthusiast Forums
Netflix 3 Body Problem.
by BultacoAstro - 22nd Mar 2024 8:04am
Xbox
by TudorBlue - 3rd Mar 2024 8:48pm
Wiper mechanism needed
by Peter0787 - 20th Feb 2024 4:07pm
What song are you listening to?
by - 24th Jun 2007 9:06am
Popular Topics(Views)
5,069,758 WIKI WALK CHAT
4,013,817 Spotted!
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5