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Page 9 |
Newsletter 115, Winter 2016 © Hampshire Mills Group |
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Mr Streatwell’s Silk Mill at Overton, Hants
Review by
Ruth Andrews |
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Richard Waldram, one of our newest members sent me a
copy of his recent book. It is a well-written
narrative accompanied by clear maps and
illustrations. After a few introductory chapters,
it follows the paper chase of records kept in
Hampshire Archives (with meticulous references) to
tell the human story of the mill and its effect on
the community. I certainly found it a very
interesting read, although I wish he had included
grid references for those not familiar with the
area. |
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Paperback, 10 x 8.25in,
42 pages,
with illustrations and maps in colour
Richard Waldram (2016)
Copies are available from Richard at
14 Winchester St, Overton, Hampshire
RG25 3HS
email
richardwaldram2@gmail.com
Price £6 plus £1.50 p&p
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As Richard says,
this book traces the story of the mill on this site
over 400 years and its conversion to a silk mill in
1769 as the industrial revolution was gathering
pace. Nothing remains of the mill except the
millpond, the sluice and a bridge so it will
disappoint those whose primary interest is
industrial archaeology. However, as well as the
history of the mill, there is a good deal about the
social history of the village at the time, attitudes
to the use of child labour and the workhouse as well
as the ups and downs of the silk industry in
Hampshire and elsewhere. There is also a nice story
about a dispute between two millers about the use of
water.
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