Forge Mill Needle Museum
Encyclopedia
The Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch
, Worcestershire
, is a historic museum depicting Redditch's Industrial Heritage
. Opened in 1983 by Queen Elizabeth II
, it records how in Victorian times, Redditch was the international centre of the needle
and fishing tackle
industry and once produced 90% of the world's needles. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and the museum organises many exhibitions, demonstration, and workshops on how needles were used in the texile industry.
Site tours of National Needle Museum, Forge Mill and the neighbouring Bordesley Abbey can be arranged via the Redditch Local History Society.
Redditch
Redditch is a town and local government district in north-east Worcestershire, England, approximately south of Birmingham. The district had a population of 79,216 in 2005. In the 19th century it became the international centre for the needle and fishing tackle industry...
, Worcestershire
Worcestershire
Worcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...
, is a historic museum depicting Redditch's Industrial Heritage
Industrial heritage
Industrial heritage is an aspect of cultural heritage dealing specifically with the buildings and artifacts of industry which are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations, often forming a significant attraction for tourism.The...
. Opened in 1983 by Queen Elizabeth II
Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
Elizabeth II is the constitutional monarch of 16 sovereign states known as the Commonwealth realms: the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Jamaica, Barbados, the Bahamas, Grenada, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize,...
, it records how in Victorian times, Redditch was the international centre of the needle
Sewing needle
A sewing needle is a long slender tool with a pointed tip. The first needles were made of bone or wood; modern ones are manufactured from high carbon steel wire, nickel- or 18K gold plated for corrosion resistance. The highest quality embroidery needles are plated with two-thirds platinum and...
and fishing tackle
Fishing tackle
Fishing tackle, is a general term that refers to the equipment used by fishermen when fishing. Almost any equipment or gear used for fishing can be called fishing tackle. Some examples are hooks, lines, sinkers, floats, rods, reels, baits, lures, spears, nets, gaffs, traps, waders and tackle...
industry and once produced 90% of the world's needles. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and the museum organises many exhibitions, demonstration, and workshops on how needles were used in the texile industry.
Site tours of National Needle Museum, Forge Mill and the neighbouring Bordesley Abbey can be arranged via the Redditch Local History Society.
External links
- Forge Mill Museum web site. Retrieved 14 June 2009.
- Redditch Local History Society