Whitchurch Silk Mill Conservation

Mountjoy has been appointed to undertake the conservation, extension, repair and new build works to Whitchurch Silk Mill in Hampshire. The Silk Mill is a Grade II* listed textile watermill built in 1815 on the River Test in the small Hampshire town of Whitchurch. It is one of only four working silk mills in the country and the only one open to visitors.
The project entitled “Preserving the Fabric” aims to transform Whitchurch Silk Mill into a self-sustaining industrial heritage site. The conservation works include repairs to the external walls, windows, doors and roof of the Mill Building.

2018
05 January 2018

Exhibition Alterations

The exhibition display case in the foyer has been removed. The panelling will remain, creating a modern display case and a family activities area too.
07 January 2018

Scaffolding Erection

Protection around the river's edge has been installed so that Mountjoy can work safely on the banks of the River Test, a Site of Special Scientific Interest
10 January 2018

New Doorway

A new doorway has been opened up from the Welcome Building to where the new boardwalk will lead visitors onto the site
19 January 2018

Engraving Discovery

On the top flight of the scaffolding the Mill Team discovered the initials WEH inscribed into a brick. Believed to belong to William Edgar Hide, brother of James Hide who owned the Mill until his death in 1955. William used to grow pears on the elevation of the Mill.
25 January 2018

Welcome Building Piling

Installation of 31 piles completed, each up to 7m deep.
29 January 2018

Crane Base Setup

The footings are being installed for a crane base, this will lift the scaffolding beams into place across the roof, making a platform to support the bell tower whilst it is being restored. The crane will also lift the new bridges into place.
15 February 2018

Lift Shaft Opening

The new lift shaft opening will make the Mill accessible to visitors for the first time.
16 February 2018

Gable End of Welcome Building

The removal of the gable end of the Welcome Building to allow for the new structure and window seats overlooking the River Test.
15 March 2018

Community Hoarding

Hoarding around the site was designed by Year 2 pupils from nearby Whitchurch Primary School who visited the Mill on their Victorian Day
14 April 2018

Staircase Restoration

As part of our project we are creating a one way visitor route around the Mill. We are restoring the staircase on the waterwheel side of the building to the original way round.
01 June 2018

Lift shaft steelwork

The steelwork for the new lift shaft has been crane lifted in. These will be in clad in wood to match the water wheel and historic building structure.
19 June 2018

Window installation

The windows which will allow views over the River Test and its local wildlife are being installed.
24 August 2018

Temporary Accommodation Removed

The site cabins the Mill team have been working from are now removed. The team can now work from a newly refurbished office space.
31 August 2018

Mill Shop Prepares to Open

As parts of the refurbished mill begin to be handed back to the team, the shop can reopen once again to sell products made with the loom on site.