Parrett Iron Works Explained

Parrett Iron Works
Coordinates:50.9644°N -2.7911°W
Location:Near Martock, Somerset, England
Built:1855
Designation1:Grade II* listed building
Designation1 Offname:Mill at Parrett Iron Works
Designation1 Date:28 February 1978
Designation1 Number:1225080
Designation2:Grade II listed building
Designation2 Offname:Boiler Chimney
Designation2 Date:28 February 1978
Designation2 Number:1225752

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,[1] and the adjoining bridge is called Carey's Mill Bridge which was built of Ham stone in the 18th century.[2] The sluice which powered the waterwheel[3] and sluice keepers cottage still exist.[4]

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,[5] with a prominent chimney,[6] a large workshop,[7] [8] and several smaller workshops and cottages.[9] [10] [11] [12] 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,[13] [14] workshops and chimneywere still operating in 1941.[15]

In 1974 the premises were held by the West of England Warehouses and also used by the Somervale Foods and Somerset Joinery.[15]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 54224: Carey's Mill and Parrett Iron Works, Carey's mill, Martock. The Somerset Historic Environment Record. South West Heritage Trust. 13 March 2018.
  2. Web site: Carey's Mill Bridge. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  3. Web site: Waterwheel house. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  4. Web site: Sluice and sluice keepers house. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  5. Web site: Mill at Parrett Iron Works. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  6. Web site: Boiler Chimney. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  7. Web site: Workshop buildings etc, Carey's Mill.. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  8. Web site: Workshop building etc. Carey's Mill. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  9. Web site: Nos. 1 & 2 Parrett Works Cottages . historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  10. Web site: Nos. 3 & 4 Parrett Works Cottages . historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  11. Web site: Nos. 5 & 6 Parrett Works Cottages. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  12. Web site: Carey's Mill Cottage. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  13. Web site: Former rope walk, about 65 metres south-east of main building, Parrett Iron Works, Carey's Mill. Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. 12 February 2010.
  14. Web site: Former Rope Walk etc, Carey's Mill. historicengland.org.uk. English Heritage. 12 February 2010.
  15. Web site: Carey's Mill and Parrett Iron Works, Carey's mill, Martock. Somerset Historic Environment Record. Somerset County Council. 14 March 2010.