For more than 200 years, the sound of weaving has echoed through the Mill.
Standing on the banks of the River Test, Whitchurch Silk Mill is Britain’s oldest working silk mill and one of only three remaining silk mills in the UK. Unlike many heritage attractions, this is not a place where history sits quietly behind glass. It is a living, working heritage site where traditional silk weaving still takes place every day on historic looms.
Visitors to the Mill can watch skilled weavers at work, hear the rhythmic movement of the machinery and experience a remarkable chapter of Britain’s textile history in action.
Today, however, this living heritage faces a significant challenge.
A Critically Endangered Craft
In 2023, Silk Ribbon Weaving was added to the Heritage Crafts Red List as a Critically Endangered Craft. Only five Silk Ribbon Weavers remain in the UK. Whitchurch Silk Mill employs two of them.
These highly specialised skills have been passed down through generations of weavers and represent an important part of Britain’s manufacturing, textile and cultural heritage. Without continued investment in training, conservation and public engagement, these skills risk being lost.
That is why we are launching our Crowdfunder campaign: Keep Britain’s Silk Weaving Heritage Alive.
Why We Need Your Help
As an independent charity, Whitchurch Silk Mill relies on a combination of admissions, donations, retail sales, events, workshops and fundraising to support its work.
Every year, thousands of visitors come to discover how silk is woven, explore the Mill’s fascinating history and enjoy one of Hampshire’s most unique heritage attractions. While this support is invaluable, it is no longer enough on its own to secure the future of this nationally important craft.
Funds raised through our Crowdfunder will support the Mill’s core charitable objectives, including:
- Maintaining historic looms and machinery still in daily use
- Preserving and sharing textile heritage collections
- Safeguarding critically endangered weaving skills
- Training future generations of silk weavers
- Caring for the Mill’s historic buildings
- Keeping the Mill accessible to visitors, learning groups and the wider community
More Than a Historic Building
When visitors walk through the Mill, they do not simply encounter a historic building. They experience a rare working environment where heritage skills continue to be practised every day.
The silk ribbons woven here have appeared in productions including Titanic, Sense and Sensibility and numerous period dramas, demonstrating the enduring quality and relevance of British craftsmanship.
The Mill remains a place of making, learning and creativity. Supporting the Crowdfunder means helping to protect not only a historic site but also the knowledge, expertise and craftsmanship that give it life.
Our Vision for the Future
We want future generations to experience the wonder of seeing silk woven on historic looms.
We want young people to discover traditional crafts, learn about Britain’s textile heritage and be inspired by the skills that continue to shape the present day.
We want the looms to keep weaving.
With your help, that vision can become a reality.
How You Can Help
Every donation, regardless of size, will make a meaningful difference.
With your support, they’ll continue to weave for generations to come.
Support the campaign today and become part of the next chapter in Whitchurch Silk Mill’s story.
