Description: W Ball & Son started a factory in 1825, manufacturing lace, hosiery etc. The Albion Works was built c 1845 for Francis Ball & Sons, who submitted material to the Great Exhibition of 1851. The building is believed to be Ilkeston's first large factory; and that in the longest continuous occupation by one firm. An earlier 'cottage workshop' on the Burr Lane Corner (right) was demolished about 1960. Viewed here from the south east.