PIECE by piece and bit by bit the historic rubber rolling machine the Iron Duke returned to its Bradford on Avon home this week much to the delight of locals.
Fascinated onlookers watched as parts of the 19th century, 12ft, 16-tonne machine was delivered and installed at the Kingston Mill development in Kingston Road on Monday-Wednesday.
The Iron Duke, named after the Duke of Wellington, is returning to the town after 43 years away thanks to around £100,000 in donations before its grand unveiling on September 24.
David Moss, Chairman of the Preservation Trust, said: "On Monday I went out four separate times to watch the developments take place - it is all very exciting.
"After five years of planning, to finally see it in the flesh and see it set up is very special."
The work to restore the machine, which used to be in the Avon Rubber factory, to its former glory is being completed by specialist company Dorothea Restorations.
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