Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest 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. 

Our power looms date from the 1870s and our operated by our weaver, Marie. Marie can run up to two looms at one time - which is pretty loud. This track recreates the noise of 15 power looms all running at the same time; making ear defenders essential!

Whitchurch Silk Mill Power Looms X15

Former Mill employee Iris Boast talks about how staff at the mill during the 1930s used to knit while working on the looms, to pass the time; and how owner James Hide used to bring the workers fruit. 

Iris Boast talks about knitting at machines & strawberries (circa 1937)

Former Mill employee Iris Boast talks about returning to work at the Mill after World War II. Iris also talks about the hand twisting of warp ends onto old warp ends that are then pulled through the loom before weaving can begin.


Iris Boast talks about returning to work at the Mill after WWII & the art of hand twisting (1946)

Former employee of the Mill, Tracey Mason, talks about the location of the sewing room on site at the Mill  (circa. 1987). The sewing room was located on the 1st floor of the building. 

Tracey Mason Circa 1987 Talks about sewing room at the Mill

Former employee of the Mill, Sylvia Williams talks about her memories of the Mill with its dusty floors and the noise levels.

Sylvia Williams recollects dusty Mill floors

Iris Boast talks about the coke stove on site and how staff used to sometimes sit and grill toast from their sandwiches at lunch times (circa 1937).

Iris Boast recollects cooking toast on a stove (1937)

Ted Moss (former Mill Manager) describes  some of his earliest memories of the Mill - peeking in the Mill windows to see the internal workings. (Circa 1920)

Ted Moss Recollects the Mill as a Child Looking In Windows

Iris Boast, a former Mill employee recollects beginning work at the Mill and being set to work on a 'Quill' machine, aged 14 in 1937.

Iris Boast recollects starting Work In 1937 aged 14 on 'Quill' Machine

Ted Moss, former Manager of the Mill talks about is role in controlling the flow of water to the wheel. Ted was manager of the Mill from 19?? to 19??.

Whitchurch Silkmill

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