Our Local History interest group welcomes all Pontesbury & Rea Valley u3a members (and those interested in joining the u3a) to a talk by Penny Ward on Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings; the first iron framed building and blueprint for the skyscrapers that followed, at Minsterley Parish Hall on the 21st March 2023 at 2pm with a cost of £6 maximum, but this could reduce to £5, depending on numbers, to cover costs and hall hire. Refreshments will be available.
Penny Ward studied Archaeology at Cardiff in the 1970s and managed the Shropshire Historic Environment Record for several decades until her retirement in 2016. She has been involved with the Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings since 2005, when English Heritage (now Historic England) took over the site and asked for volunteers to assist on Heritage Open Days. Her talk will tell the story of the site, from the revolutionary use of cast iron in its construction at the end of the eighteenth century up to the latest phase in its existence which began in September last year when the ground floor of the now restored Main Mill building opened to the public. It will also give some account of the Flax Mill’s Bleach Works at Hanwood.
Please contact Susan Lockwood if you wish to attend so she knows how many people to cater for. Phone: 01743791082; Email: susanlockwood345@btinternet.com.
