More information : Sarehole Mill, Birmingham (131/SP 099818) Sarehole
Mill stands on the west of the River Cole at the junction of
Wake Green and Cole Bank roads, south-east of Birmingham and
about 5 miles from the city centre. A mill was known on the site
as early as 1542 but the present building and equipment are of
eighteenth- and nineteenth- century date. Matthew Boulton leased
the mill in 1755 and may have converted the machinery from corn
grinding to metal working in connection with his production of
buckles and other 'toys'. By the mid-nineteenth century the mill
had reverted to its original function and was used for corn
milling exclusively until finally closed in 1919.
As the result of an appeal the mill has been restored to working
order and is now open as a museum illustrating various aspects
of milling, agriculture grain production and English rural
pursuits. Eventually displays will include objects from the Pinto
Collection of wooden bygones appropriate to this theme. The mill
is administered by Birmingham City Museum & Art Gallery and
enquiries should be made to the Keeper of Archaeology, City
Museum & Art Gallery, Birmingham. Tel: 021-235 2837. It is open
from March to November, Mondays to Fridays, 2pm to 7pm;
Saturdays, 11am to 7pm; Sundays, 2pm to 7pm. Admission, adults
10p, children 5p. (1)
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