Powick Mills
in Powick, near Worcester
The site has a very long history. There was a corn mill (a watermill) there in 1086. An iron mill was built in the 1720s to convert pig iron to wrought iron. In 1767 John Maybery of 'Powicke Forge' went on to establish the Hirwaun Ironworks, the first in South Wales to smelt iron using coke.[1]
The Powick iron mill were bought by Sampson Lloyd c.1760. A mill for materials for the porcelain industry (flint mill?) followed, then a combined hydro-electric and steam-powered power station, then a laundry (Metropole Laundry), and an engineering works. See photos of display board.
The surviving buildings have been adapted to 21st century needs - converted into a gated community. Fortunately, the power station facade and chimney have been preserved, along with the impressive overhead travelling crane from the turbine hall, which can be viewed from the adjacent lane. The crane was made by Richard C. Gibbins and Co.
Close by are two historic bridges - see Powick Bridge.
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ 'A History of GKN Volume One: Innovation & Enterprise 1759-1918' by Edgar Jones, Macmillan Press, 1987