Tonedale Mills, Wellington, Somerset, General Site Report
Author(s): Mike Williams, Alan Stoyel
Tonedale Mills may be the largest integrated woollen mill complex in the south west region. The Fox family started production here in 1790, continuing on a large scale until the early 1980s. Unusually, the site has remained in the same ownership, probably accounting for the relatively high quality of preservation of most of the buildings. Fox Brothers is probably one of the most significant firms in the region’s textile industry. The site has a wide chronological range of mill buildings, probably including some L18 structures but mostly of E19-E20 date. Of particular interest is an L-shaped range of E19 spinning mills and warehouses, including an early fireproof mill with a cast-iron roof and an unusual type of floor beam. Significant expansion took place in the late 19th century, including the construction of a large steam-powered spinning mill, weaving sheds and a wide range of ancillary buildings. There is good evidence of the development of a complex water and steam power system, including a large waterwheel chamber and three engine houses. Early DC generating plant is also preserved. This report provides descriptions of the main buildings on the site, based on fieldwork, with only limited documentary research.
- Report Number:
- 133/1993
- Series:
- Other
- Pages:
- 11
- Keywords:
- Building Recording Modern Post Medieval Standing Building Textile Building Investigation
