Old Brass Mill

The Old Brass Mill is a disused brass mill with origins in the 18th century, which was substantially rebuilt in the early 19th century and remained operational until 1924. It was restored in 1995. The building is constructed from coursed rubble with ashlar quoins, featuring stone and pre-cast copper slag dressings, and has gabled pantile roofs.

The mill is situated on an island site between the River Avon and the mill leat to the west. It consists of three parallel ranges running east and west towards the river, with an additional range that runs at right angles over the mill leat on the west side. On the north side, there is a former annealing furnace with a tall, battered square stack, and evidence suggests there are four, possibly five, wheel pits.

The exterior of the mill is a single-storey structure with segmental-headed openings on the south ranges, which feature paired casement windows. The east gable ends are now exposed, revealing a simple king-post roof structure inside. An undershot millwheel with metal blades and some related machinery can be seen in an open-arched recess facing south.

Inside, some segmental stone arcades remain in the internal dividing walls and kiln areas. The building features collar trusses and king post trusses that reflect different phases of its development.

Historically, the local brass industry began in the early 18th century, with two brass mills established by Abraham Darby. The Saltford mill is an important surviving example of this industry. A comprehensive analysis and historical account of the mill can be found in a report by the City of Hereford Archaeological Unit. The site is also designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.