Tonedale Mills, Site Assessment
Author(s): Mike Williams
This report aims to briefly summarise the sequence of development of Tonedale Mills and to help assess the significance of both the principal buildings and the site as a whole. It should be noted that many buildings at the site have not been closely investigated, and that this interpretation might be updated following closer inspection or further documentary research. Tonedale Mills is an extensive complex of former woollen mills and related buildings located on the north-west outskirts of Wellington. It was established by Thomas Fox in the 1790s and later developed by other members of the family, who lived at the adjoining Tonedale House. The mills were operated in conjunction with the nearby Tone Works, where cloth finishing and dying was carried out, and a number of other mills. By the early 20th century Tonedale Mills had become the largest and one of the most completely-integrated textile mill complexes in the South West. When cloth production finally ended in the mid-1990s, the site retained over 30 well-preserved buildings spanning an unusually wide date range. Tonedale Mills now provides a comprehensive illustration of the development of the full range of building types associated with a highly successful integrated textile firm.
- Report Number:
- 142/2003
- Series:
- Other
- Pages:
- 14
- Keywords:
- Building Recording Modern Post Medieval Standing Building Textile Building Investigation
