Gants Mill Bruton

My Great Grandfather and his Father before him held the lease on this Mill (and several others) in the 1820 - 1840 period. They were in business 'throwing' silk. They turned the raw silkworm threads into full thread that was then woven (elsewhere) into cloth. At this mill in 1833 they were employing over 300 people - mainly young girls aged 8-12 who worked 11 Hrs/day - 6 days per week. They were fed and taught to read and write. Actually quite good conditions for the times.






Brian Shingler and his wife Allison have done an incredible job renovating the virtually derelict Mill and planting a superb Garden. It is now a venue for many schools and individuals interesting in the Mill and it's current existence grinding corn and generating electrical power. And as a popular wedding venue. Brian gave us a great tour of the mill and also gave me a lot of transcribed Church records of Saxons for my tree! See www.gantsmill.co.uk for more info.




This is a view of part of the house and gardens from upstairs in the Mill.








A very small part of the attic floor in the mill.