Saltford Brass Mill
Mill Island, The Shallows, Saltford, Bristol, Somerset, BS31 3EX
As well as the now unique annealing furnace and eighteen foot working cast iron water wheel at Saltford Brass Mill, our education and interpretation displays include full-size mock-ups of battery and rolling mill equipment which produced brass 'hollow ware' or pot and pans, and brass sheet. We tell visitors the story of wire drawing and pin manufacture which lies at the beginning of the industrial revolution and modern manufacturing even before the age of steam. We describe the historic family links to skilled workers who came from Europe to work across the region's brass industry which thrived for almost two centuries with its early links to the slave trade and Bristol's merchant ventures.
Out in the peaceful garden, our running waterwheel models demonstrate the different types of waterwheels and are popular with visitors of all ages. The Mill is an ongoing project with many fascinating conservation issues and projects, most recently the damming of the mill leat to allow for the replacement of a failing sluice gate with a newly constructed one, and structural surveys and digital scans.
Our knowledgeable volunteer team and guides will tell the stories and there are new videos and sound effects to enhance your visit and show you our diverse wildlife.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1300-1600
- Saturday 14 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1300-1500
Location & directions
Mill Island, The Shallows, Saltford, Bristol, Somerset, BS31 3EX
- Directions:
- The Sallows is a turning off the A4 At the bottom of Bath Hill
- Contact on day:
- Patrick Beazley
- Telephone number:
- +447823321768
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Access is along unmade paths wide enough for wheelchairs. Over half the mill is accessible by wheelchair and some other parts visible. Accessible public toilets are 200 yards away.(20p)
Additional information
Scheduled Ancient Monument and Grade II* Listed Building containing working waterwheel, models and infromative displays.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 15
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s)
