Britain’s best and oldest chimneys , bridges, pubs, castles, landmarks, cemeteries, anything you have to show wandering turnip I would love to see !! 🏆
Britain has the second largest aerospace industry in the. Not a lot of people realise this. Rolls Royce are re requiring American B52's engines is just one example.
I'm an American, from the former steel town of Birmingham, Alabama (the clue is in the name obviously) who was told about Dibnah by a British friend from Nottingham. Before long I'd watched everything I could find about him. A fine old gent. And he went out in style. Tractoring down to meet the queen while suffering from terminal cancer. What a legend.
As an 80s kid from Cheshire I’d see his steam engine going past our house,we would all run to the window as could hear it coming… in fact saw it other month when the footy was on and I was doing his garden.
Your best episode so far in my insignificant opinion. What a subject, what a legend! He had an abundance of talents, steeplejack, demolition expert, mechanical engineer, talented draftsman and historian. He visited my local pub with his second wife and I was so impressed by his modesty, he was actually very shy! Hard to believe I know. I love it that someone from your generation values him, he was/is special. Thanks for doing this.
Had the pleasure of meeting Fred a year or 2 before he passed. Circa 2002. I'm in a little Welsh village, over the road is our one shop/post office. One blistering summer afternoon we hear an almighty racket. Looking out the window, over the road parked in front of the shop is a steam traction engine and a few other vehicles. Our two oldest kids were toddlers and absolutely fascinated by what they were seeing so we went over for a closer look. And surprise surprise it was Fred and his entourage of mates. They had been to a steam fair here in wales somewhere and they were actually driving their steam engines all the way home. They had stopped at our local shop for cold drinks and snacks. He gave the kids a full walk around tour and let them pull the whistle. My Mrs let them all use the loo and we topped them up with cold water. I've always been gutted it was just pre-smartphone era as we had nothing to take a pic on at the time. But still fond memories, a truly fascinating fella.
Fred Dibnah was a legend. He was a man who pursued his passion and lived life to the full. You remind me of him a lot. It was a pleasure to sit down and enjoy his enthusiasm and passion for our great country, just like it is with yours today Dave. Much respect to you. Thank you and keep up the great work mate! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Another great video about an absolute legend Fred was a one off. His best quote was" this country was built by men in overalls and destroyed by men in suits"
Another great video David...for a person of your age you are an absolutely inspirational person, the passion you have for the chimneys (which by the way I have grown up with)and the fall of the high street is fantastic... keep up the good work ❤ xx
Remember watching Fred in 1980 and have been fascinated with him since.petrified with heights so to watch him scale them chimneys was crazy at the time!RIP sir Fred🙏🏻
I bet it was Fred who put the cap on the remaining chimneys that you filmed. I've been a roofer since I was 15 so can relate in so many ways to Fred's words. You do a great job mate. Thanks so much for the work you do explaining industrial England.
So much nostalgia. I remember us all sitting down as a family to watch him. I used to be fascinated by him climbing the chimneys and how dangerous his job was. Looking out my living room and kitchen windows I can see a chimney on a 1920's swimming baths. I love old mills and chimney's, my previous house to this one was a small former mill town, something about the mills and any other buildings with nice chimneys just feels homely and comforting.
Great video! I remember watching Fred on TV as a kid and even now I can't get my head around what he did - scaling those huge chimneys and church spires up a rickety ladder, assembling the scaffolding on his own and perching on the top of without any safety harnesses or anything - it was super human really, but he was so matter of fact about it! Sometimes I can't even watch what he did as it was so dangerous. Such a great character and such a vast knowledge about industry and machinery. A one off, but he also represents the spirit and hard graft of so many others from a bygone age who built this country and made it what it was.
I got to have a long sit down with Fred and his second Wife almost 1 1/2 hours. He had come down to West Devon to open Dingles Steam Farm and they had forgotten to put the direction signs out. I had taken his first book and a photo of a steam loco model just finished, 4 inch gauge and Live steam. This made him very happy and we chatted. Coming from a workshop based job involving young students at the Uni of Plymouth made us closer. I had done full size riveting at Didcot on a Prairie Tank so the time went quickly. Eventually the rest of the mob found Fred and each got moments to thank him for what he was doing. David and Lily Reading.
I wonder how many people are more interested in these chimneys now, after watching your videos, while in the past they would have driven by them without a second look.
Dead right. He must have loved them really. But I guess they were an earner. I remember Fred on the TV. I also live in Rome where one or more are hidden away even here. Now I have to find them all!!!
I, too, have a copy of Fred Dibnah’s “Did you like that?”. When young, I saw Fred on TV, when I visited my paternal grandparents in Preston, Lancs. I was born in Birmingham, workshop of the world. My family roots are in Yeadon & Cockayne, both in Yorkshire. Great grandparents and everyone before them. I’m a soft southerner now, but I feel my roots are closer to Dibnah’s. I was born a century too late, too! I like machinery and i don’t like computers.
I have a friend, now in his early 80's that used to service chimneys throughout the UK and build some of the later ones. I have been told many things about the dangers and what has happened over his career working on them, so I sent him the link. When working, driving throughout the UK we often spotted the chimneys he had worked on. I never realised that I knew far too much about chimneys.
My dad loved Fred Dibnah; he read all his books & watched his tv shows. I’m sure he would have liked to watch your videos too. Since I was a small child I’ve also always been fascinated by chimneys, (cooling towers, gasometers, pylons & tall church spires as well!) Great video, keep up the good work!
As an Southern (Dover) Ex Truck driver delivering to Bolton Bury Blackburn, Nelson and Colne. I have seen the Mills and Chimneys of the North. I delivered to a warehouse somewhere with Fred Bibner knocking a chimney down by hand just across the way. At the time I didn't know who Fred was at the time. But I did see him at work back in the early 80s. Regards Alan :o)
2:36 🤣 _"Strange men who describe themselves as chimney enthusiasts!"_ 12:50 Those office folk were certainly wondering.. 🤭 The quotes from the book were fascinating.. thanks for teaching us more about Fred's life! The great man would have so admired your passion for these Chimneys, David! Eleanor's gift was brilliant! What talent she has.. 👏 May that drone have plenty of life in it yet.. because those clips are amazing! Really enjoyed this episode.. thanks so much, as always.. 👍👏
Old Fred. I watched every episode as they came out. And now have them on DVD. I was not from the North but like Fred, from an early age, believed I was not from this era. Today I still feel the same. Hate with a passion the so called progress. The dependence on computers for everything. The lack of freedom as the legislation grows to control your every movement. 😂 When I was young I went to all the steam fairs. Fascinated by old buildings and old machinery. Nothing has changed. The future is more grim than the soot blackened skies over Bolton in it's heyday. Fred was spot on, not just the UK on a slippery slope. Humans are on self destruct mode. We could both go back in time. Him to his flourishing mills of the North, and me to my unspoilt lands of the South ploughing with a horse like my Granddad did. Brilliant video. Thank you.
A superb episode, I knew you'd be covering Fred at some point. Like him, I feel out of place in this modern world, if he was still alive, he'd hate what's happening to our industrial heritage. They broke the mould when they made you David! Such a lovely model chimney, it made me feel quite tearful!
im of an age where ppl weren't interested in anything old, im part of throw away generation don't get it fixed buy a new one their only 5 quid generation, clothes and hair and what type of car you had was a statement of your success, more like loans on everything, i happened upon Fred in late 90's and fell in love with his shows, he had a child like magic about him talking about steam engines chimney stacks his eyes Twinkleing, he actually helped me to calm down and relax after stressful events, i saw beauty in the steam age also, Fred your the best English man ive ever watched on TV , rest well old lad you earned it, you got this man keeping the chimneys on film a tribute for you.☘️💚🍻
The mills in Burnley, UK, were primarily textile mills, and the town was once a significant center for cotton weaving during the Industrial Revolution. Burnley’s development and growth were closely tied to the textile industry, which played a pivotal role in the town’s economy and employment. Key Points about Burnley's Mills: Historical Significance: Burnley became one of the leading cotton cloth production towns in the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The abundance of fast-flowing streams in the area provided an ideal power source for the mills. Types of Mills: Spinning Mills: These mills focused on spinning raw cotton into yarn or thread. Weaving Mills: These mills used the spun yarn to weave cloth. Weaving was particularly prominent in Burnley. Notable Mills: Queen Street Mill: One of the most famous mills in Burnley, now a museum, showcasing the textile heritage of the area. Heasandford Mill: Another significant mill that contributed to the local economy. Waterloo Mill: Known for its historical and architectural importance. Industrial Decline: The textile industry in Burnley, like much of Lancashire, declined after World War II due to competition from overseas, technological changes, and shifts in the global economy. Many mills closed down or were repurposed for other uses. Cultural Heritage: The mills left a lasting legacy in Burnley’s architecture, culture, and community. Many of the old mill buildings have been converted into apartments, business centers, or have become part of the industrial heritage tourism. Preservation Efforts: Some mills have been preserved as historical sites to educate future generations about the industrial past. The Queen Street Mill, for example, offers insights into the working conditions and technologies of the time. Impact on Burnley: The mills were more than just workplaces; they were the heart of the community, shaping the social and economic landscape of Burnley. The rise and fall of the mills reflect broader industrial trends and economic shifts that impacted many similar towns across the UK. Visiting Today: For those interested in industrial history, Burnley offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved mill sites and museums, providing a tangible connection to the era of textile manufacturing that once defined the town.
@@ShadowCastPro If you look at the demographic projections for these areas I would say no. Population is expected to fall so the market incentive would not be there.
@@ShadowCastPro There is one up Harle Syke that operates as a museum, It was voted Britain's least popular attraction. I don't know if it still operates.
Glad to see your doing this video on a real legend, hero. No idea of your age but me being 58 now have followed everything Fred had done. I love construction and a challenge but the bottle and knowledge Fred had was unbelievable. I really miss the videos of him but glad some younger people, explorers are keeping his name and expertise going and on UA-cam 🙏
I used to think he was born out of time but I changed my mind on that. He raised the profile of the steam age, the modern steam communities, canals and aqueducts, castles… he renewed the interest in all of that for another two generations, at least. And as well as maintaining chimneys, he gave a last hurrah to the ones that had to go, with his mad method of sawn up GPO poles and bonfires. Not many esoteric subjects accumulate so many popular TV series and books. His greatest gift might have been to make painfully boring topics seem very interesting. He served as an ambassador and caretaker of the age in which he wishes he was born. If he was born in another time, who would have filled that void?
Thanks so much for this well done salute to Fred and what he did best! I must admit I feel like Fred when he says he does not like taking these wonderful edifices down. Loved Fred's programmes and still watching the old ones about chimneys and other items he explained so very well. I must admit I also admire the Folks that built these things, what work that entailed! Many are so beautiful and works of art but no longer required now so disappearing gradually. Well done on this, keep up the good work and I will try to obtain a copy of Fred's book!
I am so happy to see you in my home town of Burnley. We had some amazing chimneys and I am sure you must have seen that incredible photo of the Weavers’ Triangle? I was born under one at Plumbe Street Shed! A stunning piece of work! - yours and the chimneys!
Fred was my childhood hero..I met him at Romsey Steam Fair a couple times growing up in the late 80s early 90s. Still watch ALL his shows once a month. He always said he hated knocking em down.
The last mill in this episode is Stanley Mill. Built for Robert Emmott in 1891; closed in 1955. Bought by my grandfather in 1959 and run by G.Ratcliffe & Sons until 2002. It's a listed building so couldn't be knocked down and redeveloped, bought by a local entrepreneur who was keen to rent out industrial space. Us Ratcliffes are still within as tenants on a much smaller scale. The chimney lost 20ft in the late 1970s due to structural issues. It is divided down the centre to keep gasses from an oil-fired boiler separate from the gas and water vapour from drying ovens in the mill. It is now not used for any purpose and has not been maintained since 2004. I spoke with you as you walked past the old boiler house on the day of your filming. There is a deep well under the mill which would have been a water source for the mill and it was pumped up to the tank on the roof to keep a steady flow to the three coal-fired boilers. Cheers, Richard Ratcliffe
I love your content, and loved Fred on TV I grew up in what was known as the birthplace of industry, in the heart of Shropshire which is now the new town of Telford. I learned all about the heritage of the area, it really had it all. Chimneys,Mills ironworks, bridgbuilding and of course the very first iron bridge. If you do expand your channel to research bridges I think here is where you should start. Keep up the great work.
I’m grateful for Fred, I don’t see the beauty in anything that pours out smoke but I can appreciate the craftsmanship in the brickwork and the skill of the men who built them, Although amazing structures it’s a shame they were for poising the air, Fred was a good man and I’m glad he was there to take them down.
Your admiration for him shines throughout the video, along with your love of the subject. You style reminds me of the fast show character 'brilliant' .. in a good way
Hey David there is a write up in the Manchester Evening News that mentions you !!!! 🎉🎉🎉. It about the Blackpool buildings up for sale that you showed us. Very pleased you were mentioned 👍
Love, love, love that you love Fred Dibnah! What a man he was. Like yourself, I have always been fascinated by him, and once whilst on a shopfitting job, I noticed his home and had the chance to nip in, which was by then the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre, on Radcliffe Road in Haulgh, Bolton. I'm not certain if it is still up and running, as I seem to recall it was up for sale at one point. However, if you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. God bless you Fred and god bless you too Turnip (and your partner for making you the ceramic chimney. She sounds like a keeper!).
Your videos are really well done man. I had to sub after seeing your chimney and chippy videos. I’m an American so I’d say you’re definitely growing an international audience. Videos about British history and culture like you’ve been doing are great fun to watch. Keep doing your thing WT. I’m here for it.
Simply divine. Fred, Chimneys and Turnips... what a combination. Thank you so much for the fabulous 20 minutes. So good, I even watch the advert and that NEVER happens. Keep 'em comin' WT, brilliant. Cheers 🍺
I met Fred Dibnah as a kid a few times around 99-2000. He was a friend of my grandads. My grandad was an avid steam locomotive driver and enthusiast....Well still is, he's in his late 80's now and only stopped doing it a few years ago due to his health. he used to ride around with Dibnah on steam rollers at various events and casually around the lanes
I absolutely love watching you Pottering around best channel on UA-cam thanks for sharing your adventures with us all l was born in 75 loved watching Fred on TV he was a absolute gentleman and inspirational bloke From a fan in Carlisle Cumbria. P.s love your chimney proper job wandering turnip.
So many of those quotes from the book I have heard him say. The half a day out with the undertaker was the one I heard several times. You see people reacting to him laddering chimneys and erecting staging and say it is insane. But Fred said originally built from inside no thought was given to repairing them and they flew kites with ropes. His method was brilliant in the days before modern lift platforms and he never fell from a chimney but did fall off a step ladder. An incredible talented man who who turn his hand to most tasks.RIP Fred
Absolutely loved this video mate, watching Fred scale those chimney's still makes my body clench up. Just noticed you've surpassed 100k subscribers as well congrats mate you completely deserve it, you've become one of my favourite channels on UA-cam. Look forward to seeing what your channel brings us next.
Yes , Fred was such a lovely man .He was the man if there was a spire ,chimney,church steeple or tower to be felled or repaired . Even the people were sad to see them go as some said they had been part of the skyline as the looked out of their window in the morning and for them now to be gone was unthinkable ! Sad really 😢,but Fred got it done with minimal damage ,lol it’s smokin!,great stuff . Love bridges and viaducts ,would be so interesting . Loved this Davey ❤
It's really great to see the younger generation take the time to look into and appreciate a great man from our past because Fred was such a down to earth, honest kind and highly skilled man. Fred never changed even when he became famous, you can see him on chat shows on TV still in his flat cap with a cigarette in his hand and perhaps even a cheeky beer nect to him as well, but when he spoke you were always riveted to your seat and listened to his every word. He was loved by young and old and I have very fond memories of me and my dad watching Fred together on TV.
I met Fred many times he was a great guy i used to work on show vans for a car company and Fred was always around especially steam rallies he had a steam roller and would pull a trailer behind which he lived in he would go trundling down to the pub on it making so much noise i think he was already inebriated but no one cared his trailer was either painted by himself or some jokers with flowers windows and fancy curtains it was a great laugh and he would tell all his stories bless him
Hat tip to you. This is fantastic. You've put a lot of work into this, and it has paid off. I love 'your' monologues, especially now with you as a historian. Well done, sir.
Wow! Listening to you read Fred Dibnah’s autobiography and filming chimneys high up with your drone bring his life story to life. Particularly, watching those pigeons hiding out inside the chimney. Fred was one of a kind and a symbol of GT. Britains industrial past. So true, what you read; “in the Industrial Revolution men in overalls built GT. Britain and men in suits destroyed it”. He was a brave man to climb those heights while smoking a cigarette. He knew the dangers but did it anyway and lived his life to the full. In Britain today we need to rediscover our passion for manufacturing, utilising Britains strengths in innovation and invention which is still the best in the world today, but sadly most of British innovation ends up being sold to foreign investors and developed abroad. Our government has failed to reduce excessive bureaucracy and lack of funding for british entrepreneurs which is why we are walking as a country with our hands tied behind our backs. So much potential still in this great land but we are lead by sheep and not people of character like Fred Dibnah was.
I thoroughly enjoyed that David. Your channel is best with this sort of content. Your idea of exploring bridges is a great idea. Did you see Fred's funeral vid? It's so surreal with all the steam engines in it. Looking forward to more historical content from Britain and the north particularly.
Fred had a great appreciation of the legacy of our past craftspeople and the loss of their skills that the current and future generation fave no concept of what has been lost in our quest for 'progress' 😢
That was a fantastic video, and I'd love to be able to buy one of those model chimneys. Your partner could make them with a model mill and sell loads I'm sure. I'd love one. Great tribute.
Turnip.....first off...love all the videos! Secondly....you NEED to come to Carlisle!!! A city dripping in history! With the amazing cathedral, which has stone taken to build the castle, hence why it's a small bugger, then there's the fact they are redeveloping the city and the shops are actually doing well! The train station is being done up too. So much history and so much to look forward to in the future. we also have a mega chimney at the mill, which is next to the still operating tweed factory/mill. It would make a fantastic turnip video! ❤
Brilliant work and brilliant video as always. I truly believe what Fred said that this country is constantly running down hill every day now and it makes me feel so sad how much skill and knowledge we have lots. I maybe in my 40's but still work with old methods and at the end of the day why change something that works! I do a lot of work with stone in finishes builders today have no idea how to do sadly. I would like to add that it's not just the building skills but also the hands on making skills we have lost. If you think back to the lead mines they are thing of beauty inside and it just blows your mind of the skill. Yet people today feel that they have had a hard day sat at a desk in front of a computer, well all I can say is that they want to try working a 6 day week of shear hard hands on graft and it's not a 7 hour day either!!
Fred was one of a kind meet him a along time ago he was taking a mill chimney down in Oldham had a few pints with him a true old school character a man of great mechanical knowledge he loved steam engines .Rip Fred.
Legend of a bloke. He lived a good life and never had to witness the decline of this century, but at least the chimneys are still here. I remember there used to be even more of them in Bradford when I was a kid, but a lot of them burned down mysteriously.
Fred was a common sight on TV as a kid but I never knew that he was most well known for felling chimneys. Really good film. It's amazing those chimneys even stay standing for so long, but it's testament to the engineering. It's also a real shame that we're losing historic buildings and structures which mark an important period in history and give character to an area (as did Fred!), only to be replaced by soulless generic modern buildings of glass and steel.
That was wonderful, thank you so much for keeping Fred's memory alive. Me and hubby never missed anything that he was in on TV back in the day, our only regret was that we never got the chance to meet him. One of my great great grandfather's was an engineer in the late 1800's, and I'm proud of the fact that he was one of so many that helped make this country great.
Well if you weren't interested in chimneys this video is still a great watch, you make it so interesting just with your enthusiasm on the subject. Thank you loved it ❤
Ah Fred, not just a ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’ man. A highly intelligent steeplejack, engineer and industrial historian, funny too. His drawings and writing were beautiful. Traction engine and mine winding gear in the garden. The power of steam wasn’t just for the Victorians, the huge ETA fusion experiment in France will power a steam turbine to generate electricity. Fred would have loved it, inspecting it in a top hat, waistcoat and watch chain.
I’m originally from Burnley and remember some of those mills working. That chimney you touched the base of was (I think!) Sutcliffe & Clarksons mill and was still steam powered when it was working. You’re not on your own in loving mill chimneys!
Ah good old Fred, im 61 now and i met Fred when i was 18. Great bloke. He got sponsored by a brewery called Greenhall Whitney and drank Tetleys instead.😂 i followed a few of his chimney demolishments in Oldham, Bolton etc..watching those chimneys come down was amazing but sad. Now his son Jack lives here in the Isle of Man maintaining the old steam engines over here..great stuff Dave👏👏
I've re-watched a bunch of Fred Dibnah stuff on UA-cam quite a few times now. He seemed like a nice bloke and his passion for the word he did is infectious.
He had fear, lots of it. It was that which kept him alive. He had the respect for life that made him careful. I met him a couple of times, fantastic bloke! I was also there in Royton nr Oldham, where he dropped his last chimney at the Park mill!
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Britain’s best and oldest chimneys , bridges, pubs, castles, landmarks, cemeteries, anything you have to show wandering turnip I would love to see !! 🏆
Britain has the second largest aerospace industry in the. Not a lot of people realise this. Rolls Royce are re requiring American B52's engines is just one example.
I'm an American, from the former steel town of Birmingham, Alabama (the clue is in the name obviously) who was told about Dibnah by a British friend from Nottingham. Before long I'd watched everything I could find about him. A fine old gent. And he went out in style. Tractoring down to meet the queen while suffering from terminal cancer. What a legend.
Fred was 'heavy metal' before heavy metal existed!
fine old gent - nah........ nasty wife beater .............??
Spot on bud some boy was fred
His wife said it's me or the steam engine (a iron maiden) he chose the the steam engine what a guy 👍
As an 80s kid from Cheshire I’d see his steam engine going past our house,we would all run to the window as could hear it coming… in fact saw it other month when the footy was on and I was doing his garden.
Your best episode so far in my insignificant opinion. What a subject, what a legend!
He had an abundance of talents, steeplejack, demolition expert, mechanical engineer, talented draftsman and historian. He visited my local pub with his second wife and I was so impressed by his modesty, he was actually very shy! Hard to believe I know. I love it that someone from your generation values him, he was/is special.
Thanks for doing this.
Had the pleasure of meeting Fred a year or 2 before he passed. Circa 2002.
I'm in a little Welsh village, over the road is our one shop/post office.
One blistering summer afternoon we hear an almighty racket. Looking out the window, over the road parked in front of the shop is a steam traction engine and a few other vehicles.
Our two oldest kids were toddlers and absolutely fascinated by what they were seeing so we went over for a closer look.
And surprise surprise it was Fred and his entourage of mates. They had been to a steam fair here in wales somewhere and they were actually driving their steam engines all the way home.
They had stopped at our local shop for cold drinks and snacks.
He gave the kids a full walk around tour and let them pull the whistle.
My Mrs let them all use the loo and we topped them up with cold water.
I've always been gutted it was just pre-smartphone era as we had nothing to take a pic on at the time.
But still fond memories, a truly fascinating fella.
That sounds amazing.
Fred Dibnah was a legend. He was a man who pursued his passion and lived life to the full. You remind me of him a lot. It was a pleasure to sit down and enjoy his enthusiasm and passion for our great country, just like it is with yours today Dave. Much respect to you. Thank you and keep up the great work mate! 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Another great video about an absolute legend Fred was a one off. His best quote was" this country was built by men in overalls and destroyed by men in suits"
I loved reading this comment, John.. 👍
@@peterclayton6598 👍👍
Another great video David...for a person of your age you are an absolutely inspirational person, the passion you have for the chimneys (which by the way I have grown up with)and the fall of the high street is fantastic... keep up the good work ❤ xx
Now replaced by Alison Hammond. How far has Britain gone down
Remember watching Fred in 1980 and have been fascinated with him since.petrified with heights so to watch him scale them chimneys was crazy at the time!RIP sir Fred🙏🏻
it's not the height i worry about, it's the gravity part i hate most
Fred Dibnah lived around the corner from my grandma and grandad, and I met him a few times when I was very young. Legend!
How lucky Rob was he nice to talk to pal
*I WAS DUE TO SEE HIM* give a talk the week he passed - one of my few regrets that I didn't get to hear him speak.
This man Fred Dibnah will go down in folklore history,,he was real special and he was ours ,,magnificent
Oh man, I'm so glad you covered Fred Dibnah, I'm Irish, but he was my hero when I was a kid in the early 80s and 90s... still is a man's man!
I bet it was Fred who put the cap on the remaining chimneys that you filmed. I've been a roofer since I was 15 so can relate in so many ways to Fred's words. You do a great job mate. Thanks so much for the work you do explaining industrial England.
I commented recently on a slightly older video about chimneys saying Fred Dibnah would be proud... then this gem appears!
So much nostalgia. I remember us all sitting down as a family to watch him. I used to be fascinated by him climbing the chimneys and how dangerous his job was.
Looking out my living room and kitchen windows I can see a chimney on a 1920's swimming baths. I love old mills and chimney's, my previous house to this one was a small former mill town, something about the mills and any other buildings with nice chimneys just feels homely and comforting.
I met Dibnah over 20 years ago, he signed his book for my son and wrote a sentence to him.
Absolutely beautiful hand writing.
He passed a scholarship for Art college.
@@frostyman9986 what was the sentence he wrote?
Great video! I remember watching Fred on TV as a kid and even now I can't get my head around what he did - scaling those huge chimneys and church spires up a rickety ladder, assembling the scaffolding on his own and perching on the top of without any safety harnesses or anything - it was super human really, but he was so matter of fact about it! Sometimes I can't even watch what he did as it was so dangerous. Such a great character and such a vast knowledge about industry and machinery. A one off, but he also represents the spirit and hard graft of so many others from a bygone age who built this country and made it what it was.
I got to have a long sit down with Fred and his second Wife almost 1 1/2 hours. He had come down to West Devon to open Dingles Steam Farm and they had forgotten to put the direction signs out. I had taken his first book and a photo of a steam loco model just finished, 4 inch gauge and Live steam. This made him very happy and we chatted. Coming from a workshop based job involving young students at the Uni of Plymouth made us closer. I had done full size riveting at Didcot on a Prairie Tank so the time went quickly.
Eventually the rest of the mob found Fred and each got moments to thank him for what he was doing.
David and Lily Reading.
Great video, Dibnah should rest easy knowing there’s people like you around keeping industrial history alive!
Nice tribute to Fred Dibnah and the chimneys Turnip. Going to go back and watch his steamworks shows again. Champion fella, RIP.
I wonder how many people are more interested in these chimneys now, after watching your videos, while in the past they would have driven by them without a second look.
I agree, Jan.. tall chimneys and dry stone walls.. 👍
Dead right. He must have loved them really. But I guess they were an earner. I remember Fred on the TV. I also live in Rome where one or more are hidden away even here. Now I have to find them all!!!
I, too, have a copy of Fred Dibnah’s “Did you like that?”.
When young, I saw Fred on TV, when I visited my paternal grandparents in Preston, Lancs.
I was born in Birmingham, workshop of the world.
My family roots are in Yeadon & Cockayne, both in Yorkshire. Great grandparents and everyone before them.
I’m a soft southerner now, but I feel my roots are closer to Dibnah’s. I was born a century too late, too!
I like machinery and i don’t like computers.
I have a friend, now in his early 80's that used to service chimneys throughout the UK and build some of the later ones. I have been told many things about the dangers and what has happened over his career working on them, so I sent him the link.
When working, driving throughout the UK we often spotted the chimneys he had worked on. I never realised that I knew far too much about chimneys.
My dad loved Fred Dibnah; he read all his books & watched his tv shows. I’m sure he would have liked to watch your videos too. Since I was a small child I’ve also always been fascinated by chimneys, (cooling towers, gasometers, pylons & tall church spires as well!) Great video, keep up the good work!
As an Southern (Dover) Ex Truck driver delivering to Bolton Bury Blackburn, Nelson and Colne. I have seen the Mills and Chimneys of the North. I delivered to a warehouse somewhere with Fred Bibner knocking a chimney down by hand just across the way. At the time I didn't know who Fred was at the time. But I did see him at work back in the early 80s. Regards Alan :o)
2:36 🤣 _"Strange men who describe themselves as chimney enthusiasts!"_ 12:50 Those office folk were certainly wondering.. 🤭
The quotes from the book were fascinating.. thanks for teaching us more about Fred's life! The great man would have so admired your passion for these Chimneys, David!
Eleanor's gift was brilliant! What talent she has.. 👏
May that drone have plenty of life in it yet.. because those clips are amazing!
Really enjoyed this episode.. thanks so much, as always.. 👍👏
Trainspotters & stamp collectors & small shop keepers
@@benwinter2420 Not *YOU* again oh please.. 🤦🏻♀️
@@pimpozza Let your infatuation go . . it will never happen
Old Fred. I watched every episode as they came out. And now have them on DVD. I was not from the North but like Fred, from an early age, believed I was not from this era. Today I still feel the same. Hate with a passion the so called progress. The dependence on computers for everything. The lack of freedom as the legislation grows to control your every movement. 😂
When I was young I went to all the steam fairs. Fascinated by old buildings and old machinery. Nothing has changed. The future is more grim than the soot blackened skies over Bolton in it's heyday.
Fred was spot on, not just the UK on a slippery slope. Humans are on self destruct mode. We could both go back in time. Him to his flourishing mills of the North, and me to my unspoilt lands of the South ploughing with a horse like my Granddad did.
Brilliant video. Thank you.
A superb episode, I knew you'd be covering Fred at some point. Like him, I feel out of place in this modern world, if he was still alive, he'd hate what's happening to our industrial heritage.
They broke the mould when they made you David!
Such a lovely model chimney, it made me feel quite tearful!
“ Did you like that,” that was such a catch phrase for us as kids 😁🙏, thanks for the video .
"Half a day out with the undertaker" was a belter 😂
im of an age where ppl weren't interested in anything old, im part of throw away generation don't get it fixed buy a new one their only 5 quid generation, clothes and hair and what type of car you had was a statement of your success, more like loans on everything, i happened upon Fred in late 90's and fell in love with his shows, he had a child like magic about him talking about steam engines chimney stacks his eyes Twinkleing, he actually helped me to calm down and relax after stressful events, i saw beauty in the steam age also, Fred your the best English man ive ever watched on TV , rest well old lad you earned it, you got this man keeping the chimneys on film a tribute for you.☘️💚🍻
Quality stuff mate. Hope these chimneys survive as a legacy of our nation.
Lovely to meet you other week over in York n all!
Watching Fred climb those chimneys was always scary. The end of an era when he left us.
Had a pint with Fred, talked for ages about the industry in the north … what a guy ❤
Cracking tribute to a true working class Hero.. well done😎👍
The mills in Burnley, UK, were primarily textile mills, and the town was once a significant center for cotton weaving during the Industrial Revolution. Burnley’s development and growth were closely tied to the textile industry, which played a pivotal role in the town’s economy and employment.
Key Points about Burnley's Mills:
Historical Significance: Burnley became one of the leading cotton cloth production towns in the world during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The abundance of fast-flowing streams in the area provided an ideal power source for the mills.
Types of Mills:
Spinning Mills: These mills focused on spinning raw cotton into yarn or thread.
Weaving Mills: These mills used the spun yarn to weave cloth. Weaving was particularly prominent in Burnley.
Notable Mills:
Queen Street Mill: One of the most famous mills in Burnley, now a museum, showcasing the textile heritage of the area.
Heasandford Mill: Another significant mill that contributed to the local economy.
Waterloo Mill: Known for its historical and architectural importance.
Industrial Decline: The textile industry in Burnley, like much of Lancashire, declined after World War II due to competition from overseas, technological changes, and shifts in the global economy. Many mills closed down or were repurposed for other uses.
Cultural Heritage: The mills left a lasting legacy in Burnley’s architecture, culture, and community. Many of the old mill buildings have been converted into apartments, business centers, or have become part of the industrial heritage tourism.
Preservation Efforts: Some mills have been preserved as historical sites to educate future generations about the industrial past. The Queen Street Mill, for example, offers insights into the working conditions and technologies of the time.
Impact on Burnley:
The mills were more than just workplaces; they were the heart of the community, shaping the social and economic landscape of Burnley. The rise and fall of the mills reflect broader industrial trends and economic shifts that impacted many similar towns across the UK.
Visiting Today:
For those interested in industrial history, Burnley offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved mill sites and museums, providing a tangible connection to the era of textile manufacturing that once defined the town.
Interesting. Are there further hopes for some of the abandoned mills shown in this video to be renovated?
@@ShadowCastPro If you look at the demographic projections for these areas I would say no. Population is expected to fall so the market incentive would not be there.
@@harmonizedigital.Thanks for this interesting information.. 👍
@@ShadowCastPro There is one up Harle Syke that operates as a museum, It was voted Britain's least popular attraction. I don't know if it still operates.
Glad to see your doing this video on a real legend, hero. No idea of your age but me being 58 now have followed everything Fred had done. I love construction and a challenge but the bottle and knowledge Fred had was unbelievable. I really miss the videos of him but glad some younger people, explorers are keeping his name and expertise going and on UA-cam 🙏
12:52 people in the offices: ‘hey, is that the wandering turnip?’.
I remember seeing Fred Dibnah on the telly as a child fascinated by his work and chimneys. I bloody enjoyed your video, thanks ☺️
I used to think he was born out of time but I changed my mind on that. He raised the profile of the steam age, the modern steam communities, canals and aqueducts, castles… he renewed the interest in all of that for another two generations, at least. And as well as maintaining chimneys, he gave a last hurrah to the ones that had to go, with his mad method of sawn up GPO poles and bonfires.
Not many esoteric subjects accumulate so many popular TV series and books. His greatest gift might have been to make painfully boring topics seem very interesting.
He served as an ambassador and caretaker of the age in which he wishes he was born. If he was born in another time, who would have filled that void?
He would have probably also remained unknown, like the millions of others during that time too.
Great comment!
My dad traversed the same era as Fred and admired him. Fred did a good job in life and in publicity for the history.
This was a great history lesson for me - thanks so much!
Thanks so much for this well done salute to Fred and what he did best!
I must admit I feel like Fred when he says he does not like taking these wonderful edifices down.
Loved Fred's programmes and still watching the old ones about chimneys and other items he explained so very well. I must admit I also admire the Folks that built these things, what work that entailed!
Many are so beautiful and works of art but no longer required now so disappearing gradually.
Well done on this, keep up the good work and I will try to obtain a copy of Fred's book!
I am so happy to see you in my home town of Burnley. We had some amazing chimneys and I am sure you must have seen that incredible photo of the Weavers’ Triangle? I was born under one at Plumbe Street Shed! A stunning piece of work! - yours and the chimneys!
Fred was my childhood hero..I met him at Romsey Steam Fair a couple times growing up in the late 80s early 90s. Still watch ALL his shows once a month. He always said he hated knocking em down.
The last mill in this episode is Stanley Mill. Built for Robert Emmott in 1891; closed in 1955. Bought by my grandfather in 1959 and run by G.Ratcliffe & Sons until 2002. It's a listed building so couldn't be knocked down and redeveloped, bought by a local entrepreneur who was keen to rent out industrial space. Us Ratcliffes are still within as tenants on a much smaller scale. The chimney lost 20ft in the late 1970s due to structural issues. It is divided down the centre to keep gasses from an oil-fired boiler separate from the gas and water vapour from drying ovens in the mill. It is now not used for any purpose and has not been maintained since 2004. I spoke with you as you walked past the old boiler house on the day of your filming. There is a deep well under the mill which would have been a water source for the mill and it was pumped up to the tank on the roof to keep a steady flow to the three coal-fired boilers. Cheers, Richard Ratcliffe
I love your content, and loved Fred on TV I grew up in what was known as the birthplace of industry, in the heart of Shropshire which is now the new town of Telford. I learned all about the heritage of the area, it really had it all. Chimneys,Mills ironworks, bridgbuilding and of course the very first iron bridge. If you do expand your channel to research bridges I think here is where you should start. Keep up the great work.
I’m grateful for Fred,
I don’t see the beauty in anything that pours out smoke but I can appreciate the craftsmanship in the brickwork and the skill of the men who built them,
Although amazing structures it’s a shame they were for poising the air,
Fred was a good man and I’m glad he was there to take them down.
You are a natural presenter my friend. There should be a TV job waiting for you somewhere.
Your admiration for him shines throughout the video, along with your love of the subject. You style reminds me of the fast show character 'brilliant' .. in a good way
Hey David there is a write up in the Manchester Evening News that mentions you !!!! 🎉🎉🎉. It about the Blackpool buildings up for sale that you showed us. Very pleased you were mentioned 👍
Oh really that’s cool. I’ll have a look 👍
@@wanderingturnip I was just browsing the news online and saw it 👍
I have watched videos before about Fred Dibnah, he was an amazing man and was a great man too. He was a blessing to the world.
Love, love, love that you love Fred Dibnah! What a man he was. Like yourself, I have always been fascinated by him, and once whilst on a shopfitting job, I noticed his home and had the chance to nip in, which was by then the Fred Dibnah Heritage Centre, on Radcliffe Road in Haulgh, Bolton. I'm not certain if it is still up and running, as I seem to recall it was up for sale at one point. However, if you ever get the chance to visit, I highly recommend it. God bless you Fred and god bless you too Turnip (and your partner for making you the ceramic chimney. She sounds like a keeper!).
This is the best yet of your videos. Really interesting story of British local legend. I'm giving you a solid 💯.
I love old steam engines, chimneys, bridges and canals. Our old buildings full of history. 👍💗😀
I was one lucky boy who witnessed Fred knock the chimney down 150 meters from my house in Leicester. Such a legend. RIP Fred
Your videos are really well done man. I had to sub after seeing your chimney and chippy videos. I’m an American so I’d say you’re definitely growing an international audience. Videos about British history and culture like you’ve been doing are great fun to watch. Keep doing your thing WT. I’m here for it.
Gotta love Fred Dibnah, I do have to look away from half of his climbs up the chimneys😱
Simply divine. Fred, Chimneys and Turnips... what a combination. Thank you so much for the fabulous 20 minutes. So good, I even watch the advert and that NEVER happens. Keep 'em comin' WT, brilliant. Cheers 🍺
I met Fred Dibnah as a kid a few times around 99-2000. He was a friend of my grandads. My grandad was an avid steam locomotive driver and enthusiast....Well still is, he's in his late 80's now and only stopped doing it a few years ago due to his health. he used to ride around with Dibnah on steam rollers at various events and casually around the lanes
I absolutely love watching you Pottering around best channel on UA-cam thanks for sharing your adventures with us all l was born in 75 loved watching Fred on TV he was a absolute gentleman and inspirational bloke From a fan in Carlisle Cumbria. P.s love your chimney proper job wandering turnip.
I discovered Fred a few years back, being an expat I missed his rise to fame: a true English craftsman
So many of those quotes from the book I have heard him say. The half a day out with the undertaker was the one I heard several times. You see people reacting to him laddering chimneys and erecting staging and say it is insane. But Fred said originally built from inside no thought was given to repairing them and they flew kites with ropes. His method was brilliant in the days before modern lift platforms and he never fell from a chimney but did fall off a step ladder. An incredible talented man who who turn his hand to most tasks.RIP Fred
Fred was a legend, and this was a wonderful tribute to the great man.
Absolutely loved this video mate, watching Fred scale those chimney's still makes my body clench up. Just noticed you've surpassed 100k subscribers as well congrats mate you completely deserve it, you've become one of my favourite channels on UA-cam. Look forward to seeing what your channel brings us next.
Loved listending to Fre Dibnah. He was so down to earth!
Yes , Fred was such a lovely man .He was the man if there was a spire ,chimney,church steeple or tower to be felled or repaired . Even the people were sad to see them go as some said they had been part of the skyline as the looked out of their window in the morning and for them now to be gone was unthinkable ! Sad really 😢,but Fred got it done with minimal damage ,lol it’s smokin!,great stuff . Love bridges and viaducts ,would be so interesting . Loved this Davey ❤
It's really great to see the younger generation take the time to look into and appreciate a great man from our past because Fred was such a down to earth, honest kind and highly skilled man.
Fred never changed even when he became famous, you can see him on chat shows on TV still in his flat cap with a cigarette in his hand and perhaps even a cheeky beer nect to him as well, but when he spoke you were always riveted to your seat and listened to his every word.
He was loved by young and old and I have very fond memories of me and my dad watching Fred together on TV.
I met Fred many times he was a great guy i used to work on show vans for a car company and Fred was always around especially steam rallies he had a steam roller and would pull a trailer behind which he lived in he would go trundling down to the pub on it making so much noise i think he was already inebriated but no one cared his trailer was either painted by himself or some jokers with flowers windows and fancy curtains it was a great laugh and he would tell all his stories bless him
Hat tip to you. This is fantastic. You've put a lot of work into this, and it has paid off. I love 'your' monologues, especially now with you as a historian. Well done, sir.
Wow! Listening to you read Fred Dibnah’s autobiography and filming chimneys high up with your drone bring his life story to life. Particularly, watching those pigeons hiding out inside the chimney. Fred was one of a kind and a symbol of GT. Britains industrial past. So true, what you read; “in the Industrial Revolution men in overalls built GT. Britain and men in suits destroyed it”. He was a brave man to climb those heights while smoking a cigarette. He knew the dangers but did it anyway and lived his life to the full. In Britain today we need to rediscover our passion for manufacturing, utilising Britains strengths in innovation and invention which is still the best in the world today, but sadly most of British innovation ends up being sold to foreign investors and developed abroad. Our government has failed to reduce excessive bureaucracy and lack of funding for british entrepreneurs which is why we are walking as a country with our hands tied behind our backs. So much potential still in this great land but we are lead by sheep and not people of character like Fred Dibnah was.
Fred Dibnah’s best quote, in my opinion, was this:
“Britain, built men in overalls, destroyed by men in suits”.
He was spot on.
Fred is a British Legend, deservedly so, and you've done him proud Mr Turnip, well done. Bridges are Good, Telford was a genius.
I thoroughly enjoyed that David. Your channel is best with this sort of content. Your idea of exploring bridges is a great idea. Did you see Fred's funeral vid? It's so surreal with all the steam engines in it.
Looking forward to more historical content from Britain and the north particularly.
Fred had a great appreciation of the legacy of our past craftspeople and the loss of their skills that the current and future generation fave no concept of what has been lost in our quest for 'progress' 😢
My family built cotton mills in Burnley in the early days of the Industrial Revolution. Lovely to see!
I’m so impressed by that chimney Helena made. That’s brilliant. Well done.
Lucky to live in Telford that still has a remaining blast furnace chimney, every time I walk past it brings a feeling of awe
Brilliant Episode! Great Topic. I've still got everything that Fred did for TV on DVD.
Brilliant video David. Always like to watch Fred on tv. Thanks for showing 👍🏻
“Strange men who describe themselves as chimney enthusiasts”😂
That was a fantastic video, and I'd love to be able to buy one of those model chimneys. Your partner could make them with a model mill and sell loads I'm sure. I'd love one. Great tribute.
Turnip.....first off...love all the videos! Secondly....you NEED to come to Carlisle!!! A city dripping in history! With the amazing cathedral, which has stone taken to build the castle, hence why it's a small bugger, then there's the fact they are redeveloping the city and the shops are actually doing well! The train station is being done up too. So much history and so much to look forward to in the future. we also have a mega chimney at the mill, which is next to the still operating tweed factory/mill. It would make a fantastic turnip video! ❤
Brilliant work and brilliant video as always.
I truly believe what Fred said that this country is constantly running down hill every day now and it makes me feel so sad how much skill and knowledge we have lots. I maybe in my 40's but still work with old methods and at the end of the day why change something that works! I do a lot of work with stone in finishes builders today have no idea how to do sadly. I would like to add that it's not just the building skills but also the hands on making skills we have lost. If you think back to the lead mines they are thing of beauty inside and it just blows your mind of the skill.
Yet people today feel that they have had a hard day sat at a desk in front of a computer, well all I can say is that they want to try working a 6 day week of shear hard hands on graft and it's not a 7 hour day either!!
2004 Sir Fred Dibnah. He loved the architecture of the buildings he had to demolish and felt quite sad to see them go as he'd seen them all his life.
Fred was one of a kind meet him a along time ago he was taking a mill chimney down in Oldham had a few pints with him a true old school character a man of great mechanical knowledge he loved steam engines .Rip Fred.
Legend of a bloke. He lived a good life and never had to witness the decline of this century, but at least the chimneys are still here. I remember there used to be even more of them in Bradford when I was a kid, but a lot of them burned down mysteriously.
Fred was a common sight on TV as a kid but I never knew that he was most well known for felling chimneys. Really good film.
It's amazing those chimneys even stay standing for so long, but it's testament to the engineering. It's also a real shame that we're losing historic buildings and structures which mark an important period in history and give character to an area (as did Fred!), only to be replaced by soulless generic modern buildings of glass and steel.
That was wonderful, thank you so much for keeping Fred's memory alive. Me and hubby never missed anything that he was in on TV back in the day, our only regret was that we never got the chance to meet him.
One of my great great grandfather's was an engineer in the late 1800's, and I'm proud of the fact that he was one of so many that helped make this country great.
Well if you weren't interested in chimneys this video is still a great watch, you make it so interesting just with your enthusiasm on the subject. Thank you loved it ❤
I couldn't agree more! 👍
Ah Fred, not just a ‘where there’s muck there’s brass’ man. A highly intelligent steeplejack, engineer and industrial historian, funny too. His drawings and writing were beautiful. Traction engine and mine winding gear in the garden. The power of steam wasn’t just for the Victorians, the huge ETA fusion experiment in France will power a steam turbine to generate electricity. Fred would have loved it, inspecting it in a top hat, waistcoat and watch chain.
Fascinating bloke. Saw him give a talk about his shenanigans at the New Theatre in Oxford years ago.
Remember seeing his 1970’s documentary in 2020 at 2am during lockdown. Was interesting.
Liked it before it's even started. What a legend
I’m originally from Burnley and remember some of those mills working. That chimney you touched the base of was (I think!) Sutcliffe & Clarksons mill and was still steam powered when it was working. You’re not on your own in loving mill chimneys!
Ah good old Fred, im 61 now and i met Fred when i was 18. Great bloke. He got sponsored by a brewery called Greenhall Whitney and drank Tetleys instead.😂 i followed a few of his chimney demolishments in Oldham, Bolton etc..watching those chimneys come down was amazing but sad. Now his son Jack lives here in the Isle of Man maintaining the old steam engines over here..great stuff Dave👏👏
Greenhall Whitley beer was awful on a scale that cannot be described by mere words 🤢😂
@unusedsub3003 it was absolute dogshite..no wonder Fred never drank it😄
@@SlurpyDave254 I only had it once, it tasted terrible and had me up in the night 🚽 😖😫.
Great tribute to a legend. Time moves on and we are now living (just) in a totally different world. The Empire is over. UK is no longer significant.
@@MikeJJJemptybladder Is it bol*ocks.
We still contribute but the world caught up.
Excellent video WT , love your enthusiasm, nice chimney the mrs made , Fred Dibnah what a legend he was 👍
I've re-watched a bunch of Fred Dibnah stuff on UA-cam quite a few times now. He seemed like a nice bloke and his passion for the word he did is infectious.
I was at the science museum in London yesterday. Had lots of great machines there that kept the factories running.
My Dad would have loved this video - he hugely admired Fred Dibnah. Lovely tribute!
I see Dibnah, I hit LIKE immediately!
He had fear, lots of it. It was that which kept him alive. He had the respect for life that made him careful.
I met him a couple of times, fantastic bloke! I was also there in Royton nr Oldham, where he dropped his last chimney at the Park mill!
FRED DIBNAH, ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING GUYS EVER TO COME OUT OF BRITAIN, R.I. P.