Sharrow Mills, Historic mill building in Sharrow Vale, Sheffield, England
Sharrow Mills is an industrial complex featuring seven listed structures arranged around a central courtyard with a prominent brick manager's house at its center. The layout demonstrates how different production areas were organized around this shared space to support the facility's operations.
The site began in 1581 as a cutlers wheel owned by the Duke of Norfolk, serving blade makers for over 150 years. In 1737, Thomas Wilson started renting the mill and initiated the family's long involvement with the operation.
The mill reflects Sheffield's shift from blade shear production to snuff manufacturing under the Wilson family's direction. Visitors can see the spaces where this change in production took place.
The complex remains partially operational with some areas open to visitors while others continue active production. It is best to wear sturdy footwear as the floors can be uneven and some spaces remain in active use.
A devastating fire in 1757 led to a nationwide fundraising campaign to rebuild the mill, reflecting its economic importance at the time. This reconstruction effort shows how crucial the site was to the nation's industrial economy.
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