Old Brass Mill

SALTFORD

ST6867 THE SHALLOWS 739-1/6/94 (East side) 19/06/75 Old Brass Mill (Formerly Listed as: KEYNSHAM THE SHALLOWS, Saltford Old Brass Mill)

GV II*

Brass mill, now disused. C18 origins, substantially rebuilt early C19, in operation until 1924; restored 1995. Coursed rubble with ashlar quoins, stone and pre-cast copper slag dressings and gabled pantile roofs. PLAN: complex building on an island site between the River Avon and the mill leat to west. 3 parallel ranges running east and west towards the river; further range runs at right-angles over the mill leat on west side. At north side is the former annealing furnace with tall, battered square stack. Evidence for 4, possibly 5, wheel pits. EXTERIOR: single-storey building. Segmental-headed openings on south ranges with paired casement fenestration; east gable ends now exposed revealing internal simple king-post roof structure. An undershot millwheel with metal blades and some related machinery survives in an open-arched recess facing south. INTERIOR: some segmental stone arcades to internal dividing walls and kiln areas survive. Collar trusses and king post trusses reflect different phases of development within the building. HISTORICAL NOTE: the strong local brass industry began in the early years of the C18 with 2 brass mills established by Abraham Darby. The Saltford mill is an important survivor of this industry. A full analysis and historical account is given in the report by the City of Hereford Archaeological Unit. Scheduled Ancient Monument. (White E: Keynsham and Saltford: Keynsham: 1990-: 26, 27; Journal of the Historical Metallurgical Society: 1988-: 24-37; City of Hereford Archaeological Unit: Report on Saltford Brass Mill for English Heritage: 1995-; BIAS Journal Vol.9: Joan Day: 1976-; Research Paper No.77: Ironbridge Institute: 1991-).

Listing NGR: ST6871467002