Whitchurch Silk Mill weaves silk fabric, ribbons and garments on Victorian-era looms that are still, as they have been for more than two centuries, powered by the River Test. The mill is the oldest working silk mill in the UK still operating in its original buildings, established here in 1815 and the chalk stream isn't just adjacent to the production: it is the production. Water from the Test turns the wheel that drives the line shafting that drives the looms. Without the river, the mill simply doesn't work. The silk goes to film and television productions, fashion houses, and custom interior designs, with smaller pieces (including a recent ribbon collaboration with Jane Austen's House) sold through the on-site shop. The mill operates as a working museum and registered charity (the Whitchurch Silk Mill Trust), open to the public throughout the year. Visitors can watch the wheel turn, follow the silk-weaving process from creel to loom, and stop in the riverside café where brown trout patrol the chalk stream just below the windows. The trust restored production after a brief pause in 2012, and was awarded £1.7 million of Heritage Lottery funding in 2016 to safeguard the mill for the long term.

Awards and Recognition

UK's oldest working silk mill in original buildings

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/whitchurchsilkmill/

Can people visit or buy direct?

Yes, visiting is central to what the mill offers: Open to the public throughout the year (check their website for specific opening times) Guided tours of the silk-weaving process On-site shop selling silk fabric, ribbons, garments and gifts Riverside café overlooking the Test Group bookings available Wheelchair accessible (platform lift to all 3 floors) Education programmes available for schools

Website

https://whitchurchsilkmill.org.uk

Address Summary

28 Winchester Street, Whitchurch, Hampshire, RG28 7AL