Whitchurch Silk Mill

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Whitchurch Silk Mill Weaving in Hampshire, England since 1830 Whitchurch Silk Mill is the oldest silk mill in the UK still in its original building.

A gem of industrial heritage in beautiful, rural Hampshire, Whitchurch Silk Mill is a Georgian water mill that weaves silk using 19th century machinery.

Our Harvest and Heritage Festival begins in less than a week! 🍂From Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October, Whitchurch Silk M...
18/10/2026

Our Harvest and Heritage Festival begins in less than a week! 🍂

From Friday 23rd - Sunday 25th October, Whitchurch Silk Mill will be adorned in autumnal decorations, welcoming crafts from all over the South. There'll be artwork, installations, demonstrations and more...

Explore the photos to find out all the Festival details! 🎃

Entry to the Festival is only £10 and each ticket can be used on every day of the Festival. Book your tickets through the link in our bio, or on our website, or turn up on the day 🧵

When designing 'Stories in the Stream', Robin Knoesen wanted to explore the importance of the River Test to our mill wor...
15/10/2026

When designing 'Stories in the Stream', Robin Knoesen wanted to explore the importance of the River Test to our mill workers.

Looking through historic interviews, it's clear to see the impact it has had on the memories of those whose lives ran alongside it.

1960s weaver Joan Baverstock recalled sitting on the riverbank with her feet in the water: "We went down on the bridge, because there was a bridge at the bottom there, and feed the trout. We used to watch the fisherman, see the big heron come in and pinch the trout."

She also remembered the occasions of jumping in the chilly water: "Many a time we had shuttles shoot out of the window and stand up in the river. The girls had to go out and fetch them."

Many lives have been touched by the River Test, with many more to come. 'Stories in the Stream' is Whitchurch Silk Mill's brand new tribute to the river - and you could own part of the collection soon... 🧵

13/10/2026

Our Weaving Shed is alive with the sound of Loom 10 once more - this time, with 'Stories in the Stream'!

In this video, we're weaving with a plum weft, but you can also see the colour blanket. This blanket is woven to test a vibrant range of colours before deciding on final designs. The gorgeous shades chosen by our weavers compliment and contrast with the warp design, creating a stunning new collection that reflects the rich history and nature of the River Test.

Keep following to see this collection through to result: a beautiful spun silk scarf! 🧵

11/10/2026

Have you seen this brilliant reel by Andy Cutbill, The Modern Ruralist?

We're proud that Whitchurch Silk Mill has been featured, helping to shine a spotlight on the important work we do to preserve traditional silk weaving for future generations.

As a living museum and registered charity, every visit helps support the conservation of our historic building, the continuation of rare weaving skills, and our educational work with the wider community.

If Andy's reel has inspired you, why not come and see us in person? Watch weaving in action, discover more than 200 years of silk-making history, and experience one of Hampshire's most unique heritage attractions.

11/10/2026

Autumn is here at Whitchurch Silk Mill and we're already enjoying the uniqueness of the season. 🕸️

Being on the banks of the River Test means we're no stranger to changes in our environment. From a chill in the air, to dewdrops on the spiderwebs, there's plenty to notice walking around the Mill grounds.

Our upcoming Harvest and Heritage Festival on 23-25 October is a great way to explore Whitchurch Silk Mill this Autumn. This celebration of all things crafted is suitable for all ages, with a range of unique indoor and outdoor installations to discover. Find out more through the link in our bio, Instagram highlights, or on our website. 🧵

Don't miss out on our exciting events next week at Whitchurch Silk Mill! Whether you'd like to learn a new skill, explor...
09/10/2026

Don't miss out on our exciting events next week at Whitchurch Silk Mill!

Whether you'd like to learn a new skill, explore fascinating stories, or enjoy a unique creative experience, we still have places available on three special events. See comments section for links:

💍 Silver Ring Workshop
Create your own sterling silver ring and take home a beautiful piece of jewellery handcrafted by you.

📖 Spinning and Weaving in Myth and Fairy-Tales
Discover the enchanting stories, legends and folklore inspired by spinning and weaving throughout history.

🧶 Beginners Crochet Workshop
Learn the basics of crochet in a friendly and supportive environment. Plus, this is our last beginners' crochet workshop of the year!

When you book an event at Whitchurch Silk Mill, you're doing more than enjoying a memorable experience. As a registered charity, every ticket helps support our work preserving this historic Mill, sharing traditional skills, and keeping our textile heritage alive for future generations.

With only 2 weeks until our Harvest and Heritage Festival, it’s time to meet some of our talented exhibitors! 🍂Featured ...
08/10/2026

With only 2 weeks until our Harvest and Heritage Festival, it’s time to meet some of our talented exhibitors! 🍂

Featured here are Josie Butler of Sentimental Castings Southsea, Sara Kirby of Loyalty Cottage, Sue Oakham, Alice Griggs, Whitchurch Silk, Four Seasons by Sarah, Erica Adams, Hilary Everest - Printmaker, Jen Best of Beaker Button and Andover Flower Club .

We'll also be exhibiting work from Albert Hide, Emma Olivia Designs, Sally Murdoch, Wild Rose Floral Design, Simply Out of School Club, Whitchurch Silk Mill volunteers and more!

Join us to enjoy a selection of unique, handcrafted pieces, from embroidery and printmaking, to weaving and floral design. For only £10 for all three days, there's something for everyone to explore.

Where else could you find such a creative array of intricate talents, hosted in the home of living weaving heritage! Book your tickets through the link in our bio or on our website! 🧵

06/10/2026

You may know that woven cloth is made up of a warp and a weft, but did you know that the weft is carried across the fabric by a shuttle?

Within each shuttle, there is a pirn which holds the silk thread and unwinds as it moves back and forth. Eventually, the thread runs out and another pirn must be wound in order to keep weaving. Here at Whitchurch Silk Mill, we use our 20th Century Scharer pirn winder to load the silk thread - watch this historic machine in action in this video!

Interested in a front row seat to the heritage machinery in our Weaving Shed? Our next Production Tour on 13th October takes you right into the production line. Come and see the behind-the-scenes craftsmanship of Britain's oldest working silk mill and support the future of heritage silk weaving! Tickets available through the link in our bio and on our website. 🧵

Don't forget - tomorrow we're hosting another Community Pumpkin Knit-In! 🎃Drop in between 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 6th...
05/10/2026

Don't forget - tomorrow we're hosting another Community Pumpkin Knit-In! 🎃

Drop in between 10.30am and 5pm on Tuesday 6th October to create some crafty pumpkins with a bunch of like-minded people, ready in time for our Harvest and Heritage Festival on 23rd-25th October. Whether you knit, crochet or do something else entirely, we'd love to welcome you to our community session.

You don't have to stay all day - but there'll be tea, coffee and biscuits to keep you going for however long you stay! We thank you for your support. 🧵

Address

Whitchurch Silk Mill, 28 Winchester Street
Whitchurch
RG287AL

Opening Hours

Tuesday 10:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 10:30am - 5pm
Thursday 10:30am - 5pm
Friday 10:30am - 5pm
Saturday 10:30am - 5pm
Sunday 10:30am - 5pm

Telephone

01256892065

Website

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