Coldharbour Mill
Introduction
A range of machinery from the Victorian era to recent times, some of which is still in use in the production of knitting wool and woven stair carpet.
Working Waterwheel and the 19th Century Boilers and Steam Engines in their original location.
Gas Retort House and elements of the Gas Production Apparatus.
Carpenter's Workshop and collection of Carpenter's Tools of the period.
Wool Processing, Spinning Machines and Power Looms.
The Georgian Mill (1799) houses two examples of Wool Processing.
One level shows an early 19th century method for producing Woollen Yarn that would have been used by the local Hand Weavers.
This method comprises of a set of Carding Engines and a Self-acting Spinning Mule developed from Crompton's original Mule.
The current Production level shows Worsted Spinning Machines which take Combed Tops through to a fine Worsted Yarn as carried out in the days of Fox Brothers commercial use of the Mill until 1981.
This level also houses the machinery needed to weave cloth. The Annex contains a Warp Frame and Warp Mill for winding a Warp Beam and Hattersley Powered Standard and Broad Looms. These are still in use for Weaving Stair Carpet and Coldharbour Mill's own Tartans: Green and Blue Devon, Blackdown Hills and Somerset.
One level shows an early 19th century method for producing Woollen Yarn that would have been used by the local Hand Weavers.
This method comprises of a set of Carding Engines and a Self-acting Spinning Mule developed from Crompton's original Mule.
The current Production level shows Worsted Spinning Machines which take Combed Tops through to a fine Worsted Yarn as carried out in the days of Fox Brothers commercial use of the Mill until 1981.
This level also houses the machinery needed to weave cloth. The Annex contains a Warp Frame and Warp Mill for winding a Warp Beam and Hattersley Powered Standard and Broad Looms. These are still in use for Weaving Stair Carpet and Coldharbour Mill's own Tartans: Green and Blue Devon, Blackdown Hills and Somerset.
Powering the Mill: The Waterwheel and Steam Engines.
The 1821 Waterwheel is turning again after a major restoration project. The Wheel is connected to the Mill's Line Shafting and is used to power the spinning machines still in use today.
The Boiler house contains Lancashire Boilers, made in Glasgow by Galloways in 1910; one of which is certified and used on our Steam Up weekends - See 'What's On' section.
The Mill also possesses a valuable Beam Engine from 1867. Sourced from a Mann Watney Brewery in London, this engine is very similar to the Beam Engine purchased by Fox Brothers in 1865 and is installed in the original Engine house. It can be seen in Steam on our steam Up weekends.
The main engine house contains the Pollit & Wigzell horizontal steam engine
purchased by Fox Brothers in 1910 and also 'In Steam' on our Steam Up weekends - See 'What's On' section.
The Steam Collection also includes a steam Generator and steam Fire Pump.
credits © 2006 Devon Museums Group
supported with generous funding from MLA South West
designed by imaginarium built by light source
supported with generous funding from MLA South West
designed by imaginarium built by light source