www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
Whitchurch Silk Mill shop The Mill Shop has a huge variety of gifts and souvenirs. With books, stationery, local produce and beautiful silk products, there is something for everyone. Take a piece of our history home with you by picking up a silk scarf or a souvenir woven on our heritage looms.
For your information Access: The toilets and baby changing facilities are fully accessible. The Mill is an historic building on three floors. Our website has a fully illustrated access statement for visitors with mobility disabilities. Café and Shop: Can both be used without entrance payment. Dogs: We regret dogs are not allowed inside the Mill unless they are assistance dogs, although you can buy a biscuit for your pal and sit outside the Mill with them and enjoy the garden! Please clear up after your pet. Do you come here often? Buy an annual Season Ticket entitling you to an unlimited number of visits. Or join the Friends of Whitchurch Silk Mill and enjoy free entry all year as well as a host of other benefits.
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How to find us We are midway between Newbury and Winchester, just off the A34 – only 13 miles from Winchester, 14 miles from Newbury, 12 miles from Basingstoke and 29 miles from Salisbury. Ample free parking. Opening times Open Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year & Bank Holiday Mondays, 10:30am to 5:00pm, last admission 4:15pm. Closed Christmas and New Year. Average visit 1-2 hours. Admission prices Adults £4.50 • Children (5–16) £2.50 Seniors (60+) and students £4.00 Family (2 adults & 3 children) £10.00 Coaches and organised groups are welcome and group packages are available (please book in advance). Are you a registered UK tax payer? As a registered charity the Mill can reclaim the tax on your entrance fee if you give us permission to do so. There is no catch – it costs you nothing!
Café – Museum – Shop www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
How to contact us
Celebrate your special occasion with us! We are an ideal location for gatherings and weddings. A marquee in the garden can cater for up to 100 people and the Mill Café for up to 50. For warping and weaving times please check the website.
Tel: 01256 892065 • Email: info@whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, RG28 7AL Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust, Registered Charity No. 900621
‘Really lovely, friendly, informative and very hands on’
HISTORY
Whitchurch Silk Mill
1814: William Hayter builds the mill but is bankrupted two years later. 1817 to 1844: William Maddick buys the mill to convert raw silk into yarn. During this period weaving is established. 1844: Two Manchester merchants buy the mill. 1846: William Maddick’s last manager, William Chappell, buys the mill and begins to expand the business.
Welcome
1860s: The number of employees peaks in the early 1860s, but a long decline sets in as the English silk industry fades. 1870s: Chappell’s son Henry takes over the business, but dies in 1877, and his widow Adelaide takes over. 1886: John Hide, a local draper and shopkeeper, buys the business for his son, James.
The oldest working silk mill in the UK still in its original building. A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery.
Events
Weaving more than happy memories …
To see what’s on, visit www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk or Like us on facebook
The original mill water wheel and Victorian machinery and looms. Silk weaving the traditional way. Discover how silk is made into fabulous cloth. Our silks can be bought in the Mill Shop. Experience hands-on weaving exhibits. Warping and weaving demonstrations. Peaceful setting by the River Test.
For warping and weaving times please check the website.
Quiz trails Walks: The Mill and Heritage Trails Special exhibitions Seasonal programme of events Family fun activities.
The Mill Café The Mill Café offers a range of snacks, sandwiches and locally made cakes. Enjoy glorious, tranquil views of the River Test. When it’s warmer you can enjoy your break in the garden on the riverbanks. Why not pack a picnic? Benches can be found in the garden. Families, cyclists and walking boots welcome!
www.whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk
1886-1955: James Hide installs power looms, producing silk for Burberry raincoat linings. During WWII, he weaves silk for electrical insulation. Hide continues to run the mill until he dies in 1955, age 89. 1956: The mill is sold to Stephen Walters & Co of Suffolk. The looms are run on electricity and the wheel is disconnected. The company weaves for Burberry and Ede & Ravenscroft of London, who make silks for academic and legal gowns. 1971: Stephen Walters & Co sells the mill to Ede & Ravenscroft. 1985: Ede & Ravenscroft serve redundancy notices and the Hampshire Buildings Preservation Trust agrees to buy the mil and re-engages the staff. 1986-88: The mill is restored. 1989: Water power is reconnected in 1989, to run the winding and warping machinery for demonstration and for special commissions such as theatrical productions, films and historic houses. 1990: The Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust is established so that the people of Whitchurch can manage its future. Today: Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest silk mill in the UK still weaving in its original building, and still uses some of its 19th century machinery, including two power looms.