..Middle Mill, Solva, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. SA62 6XD............................................................Tel: 01437 721112 E-mail: Enquiries@solvawoollenmill.co.uk
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In 1900 there were 26 woollen mills in the county of
Pembrokeshire. Moved to its present site from St. Davids in 1907 by
Tom Griffiths, the new purpose built factory was powered by a 10' overshot
water-wheel. Equipped with the machinery to process fleece into fabric,
a number of small powered looms and a hand loom for weaving stair carpet,
cropping machine and flannel press. Warping was carried out on a peg
frame. The finishing of the cloth was initially carried out at a local
fulling mill before the mill invested in its own fulling machine. Producing
tweeds, flannel, blankets, hand woven stair carpets and wool for knitting
the mill was kept busy supplying both local demand and visitors from
further a field; In 1929 the then Prime Minister the Rt. Hon J. Ramsey
MacDonald MP had a suit woven from Middle Mill tweed.
In 1944 Betty, Tom's daughter married Eric Hemmingway, a colour matcher
trained in a Cleckheaton worsted spinning firm, whom she had met whilst
he was stationed at St. Davids airfield during the war. When Tom Griffiths
retired in 1950 Betty and Eric took over the running of the Mill. Eric
soon recognised the market for weaving and fitting carpets and transferred
carpet production to the powered looms. They expanded the factory re-equipping
with larger looms and a more modern warper. The water-wheel was replaced
with a 'Ruston' oil fired engine.
The introduction of mains electricity in the early 60's saw another weaving shed being built the looms again being replaced. In 1968 it is recorded that the mill was equipped with 1 small willeying machine, a carding set consisting of a hand feed, 48-inch two-part scribbler, Apperley intermediate feed, 48-inch two-part carder with single rubber condenser giving twenty-two good threads. One 80 spindle hand mule, Super-cop weft winder, hank making machine, 152" warping mill and creel, four large powered looms and 1 small 48" loom.
More stringent health and safety regulations
saw the scrapping of all the carding and spinning plant, it being more
economical to buy in ready spun and dyed yarn. The finishing was once
again done off site. By the 70's most of the mills production was carpeting
and the Mill had a shop in St.Davids catering to the evermore important
tourist trade. In 1986 Betty and Eric decided it was time to retire,
having no immediate family to continue the business, the Mill was sold
to the Grime family,Eric stayed on as a consultant passing on his many
years of experience to the new owners. Cynthia, Robert and their son
Tom were determined to maintain the reputation that the mill had for
quality woven goods. A steady programme of refurbishment saw the connection
of mains water and a telephone for the first time. More looms were purchased,
and part of the old mill converted into a Tea Room. A new larger car
park with footbridge over the river was installed. On going projects
include the rebuilding of the water-wheel.The
Mill now run by Robert and Tom is approaching its centenary, and is
one of only two remaining woollen mills in Pembrokeshire.
The Pembrokeshires Solva Woollen Mills History
