Visit to Farfield Mill 19th September, 2018



At the start of the project on Wednesday 19th September, Year 4 visited Farfield Mill, Sedbergh.

We learned about the history of the Mill and how wool from local sheep was washed, spun and dyed then woven into cloth.

As well as the processes involved in producing woolen cloth, in the heritage section, information boards told us about the social history associated with the Mill, the people who worked there, especially the children and what conditions were like for them.

In this area, we were able to see a large 300 year old Witney blanket loom – this was a large 4 shaft heddle loom which had a flying shuttle to speed up the weaving process by taking the weft yarn back and forward through the warp threads quickly.

The Mill is set over four floors and after enjoying our packed lunches in the cafe had time to visit many of the small businesses that are in the Mill and also visit the top floor where some of us tried weaving on a loom for the first time.

As it was a stormy day, we left earlier to return to school just in time for home time. 



300 year old Witney loom


Flying shuttle


The Mill Children



One of the many looms on the top floor of the Mill

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