After a day working in a Hampshire laboratory, chemist Archie Williams prefers exploring abandoned buildings over relaxing at home. The 22-year-old urban explorer has visited more than 600 sites in the past decade, including schools, convents, hospitals, observatories, and power stations.
How He Enters
Archie does not break in; he finds open windows or unlocked doors. He warns of dangers like rusty nails and broken glass, but also faces more serious threats. 'I've had people come out with guns and fire warning shots. You'd be surprised how many people in this country carry firearms when they aren't supposed to,' he says.
Time Capsules and Oddities
He often discovers 'time capsules' – homes abandoned with everything left behind, untouched for decades. 'You can walk into a house that hasn't been inhabited for 30 years, and it's as if the residents just walked away. Everything's in there, from personal possessions to old appliances left to decay.'
Archie keeps locations secret to prevent vandalism. He follows the 'TOPLOF' ethos: take only photos, leave only footsteps. 'By English civil trespass laws, you're allowed in anywhere with an open route of access,' he explains.
Memorable Finds
He has encountered priceless antiques in hoarded properties, a WWI flag and blood-stained stretcher in a trunk, and a passport linked to the Royal Family. In an abandoned convent, he found valuable books and priests' robes. A Scottish property abandoned for 52 years still had beds made and lanterns burnt out.
Risks and Encounters
Archie has been chased by dogs, security guards, and police, but since he breaks no laws, he explains his activity and leaves. He has visited homes of deceased hoarders, where conditions were unsanitary. 'The smell really gets to you,' he says. In some places, he senses a bad energy, possibly from past violence.
He has also encountered drug farms and gangs, often leaving quickly. Despite the risks, he loves documenting history before buildings collapse or are demolished. 'This country is getting filled with toy town houses with no character. These places need to be documented before they disappear,' he says.
Archie shares his explorations on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube as @urbex_with_archie.
