Leather and Tanning

For generations the tanneries were one of Warrington's most important industries. Tanning and leather working had been Warrington trades since the Middle Ages. The industry grew and by the end of the 19th century 600 people were directly employed in leather and tanning. It became the town's largest industry after metal working and textiles.

If you lived near to one of Warrington's tanneries you would have complained about the stench drifting over from the works. Tanning was one of the smelliest jobs, but tannery workers said they got used to the smell.

This illustration of Fleming's Tannery off Fennel Street in Warrington shows a typical tannery layout. The grid pattern of the tan pits can be seen in the background (image ref: GTT002)

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The process of tanning involved several stages. Before the 20th century the hides were brought into Warrington via the River Mersey from towns with large cattle markets such as Chester, but by the 1930s the hides were imported from overseas from America and Argentina.

The dry hides had to be soaked in water for several days to make them soft, then they were transferred to a pit (see images above and below) filled with a strong lime solution and soaked until the fat, flesh and hair began to disintegrate. After two more soaks the hides were ready for the tannery workers to remove the hair, done by hand in the early days then later by machine. The flesh was then removed, again originally done by the men using huge blunt knives. The hides were then prepared for the tanning process. The tannin was made from shredded oak bark. The leather then had to be dried before it could be buffed and polished to use for manufacturing leather goods.