Parrett Iron Works
Encyclopedia
The Parrett Iron Works was a series of industrial buildings next to the River Parrett
, near Martock
, Somerset
, England.
The site was originally named Carey's Mill, which had been used in the production of snuff
, and the adjoining bridge is called Carey's Mill Bridge which was built of Ham stone in the 18th century. The sluice which powered the waterwheel and sluice keepers cottage still exist.
Carey's mill was unoccupied in 1853 but by 1857 had been bought by the West of England Engineering and Coker Canvas Company, who built the mill which included a foundry, with a prominent chimney, a large workshop, and several smaller workshops and cottages. They produced horizontal, high pressure and condensing engines for mining companies traction engines, threshing machines, water wheels, corn mills, flax and spinning machinery, power looms and iron and wooden wheels. In 1866 a new power loom shed was opened, but by 1869 the company had gone into liquidation. It was taken over by William Sibley's West of England Engineering Company, who lasted until the 1920s.
Some buildings were taken over by G H Smith, makers of rope and twine in a ropewalk
, workshops and chimneywere still operating in 1941.
In 1974 the premises were held by the West of England Warehouses and also used by the Somervale Foods and Somerset Joinery.
River Parrett
The River Parrett flows through the counties of Dorset and Somerset in South West England, from its source in the Thorney Mills springs in the hills around Chedington in Dorset...
, near Martock
Martock
Martock is a large village and civil parish in Somerset, England, situated on the edge of the Somerset Levels north west of Yeovil in the South Somerset district. The parish includes Hurst, approximately one mile south of the village, and Bower Hinton, which is located at the western end of the...
, Somerset
Somerset
The ceremonial and non-metropolitan county of Somerset in South West England borders Bristol and Gloucestershire to the north, Wiltshire to the east, Dorset to the south-east, and Devon to the south-west. It is partly bounded to the north and west by the Bristol Channel and the estuary of the...
, England.
The site was originally named Carey's Mill, which had been used in the production of snuff
Snuff
Snuff is a product made from ground or pulverised tobacco leaves. It is an example of smokeless tobacco. It originated in the Americas and was in common use in Europe by the 17th century...
, and the adjoining bridge is called Carey's Mill Bridge which was built of Ham stone in the 18th century. The sluice which powered the waterwheel and sluice keepers cottage still exist.
Carey's mill was unoccupied in 1853 but by 1857 had been bought by the West of England Engineering and Coker Canvas Company, who built the mill which included a foundry, with a prominent chimney, a large workshop, and several smaller workshops and cottages. They produced horizontal, high pressure and condensing engines for mining companies traction engines, threshing machines, water wheels, corn mills, flax and spinning machinery, power looms and iron and wooden wheels. In 1866 a new power loom shed was opened, but by 1869 the company had gone into liquidation. It was taken over by William Sibley's West of England Engineering Company, who lasted until the 1920s.
Some buildings were taken over by G H Smith, makers of rope and twine in a ropewalk
Ropewalk
A ropewalk is a long straight narrow lane, or a covered pathway, where long strands of material were laid before being twisted into rope.Ropewalks historically were harsh sweatshops, and frequently caught on fire, as hemp dust forms an explosive mixture. Rope was essential in sailing ships and the...
, workshops and chimneywere still operating in 1941.
In 1974 the premises were held by the West of England Warehouses and also used by the Somervale Foods and Somerset Joinery.