Transition

Buildings outlast their original purposes, getting repurposed as economics and technology change. The Flax and Malting Mill—the first steel-framed structure ever created—spent ninety years processing flax before becoming a malting facility. The steel frame that prevented flax fires worked just as well for malting grain. Even the rat control evolved: overfed cats failed, so they brought in Jack Russells instead. Industrial infrastructure adapts, transforming while the bones remain.

Industrial Adaptation

August 31, 2025

Today was a transition day, relocating from Much Wenlock to Bonsall and a new B&B.

We packed up while listening to rather aggressive bell ringing from the church next door. It is Sunday after all, and they needed to call everyone in.

Flax and Malting Mill

On the way we drove around Shrewsbury a bit, then visited the Flax and Malting Mill. It was a flax mill for 90 years, then after a transition period became a malting mill. English Heritage now owns it and is developing/restoring it. Very large building—the first steel-framed structure ever created. It needed to be steel and brick because prior flax mills had a habit of burning down.

Flax is interesting material. Makes tough fibers that become strong thread and reasonably comfortable linen. Its downside relative to cotton is that it can't be dyed as richly. The mill owner was fairly innovative and might have been okay to work for, given that day and age.

There wasn't as much information on the malting phase. The most interesting aspect was how they dealt with their rat problem. At first they brought in several cats but apparently fed them too well—they didn't really control the rats. So they replaced the cats with Jack Russells, which were much more effective.

Had lunch at the mill, then headed north. The scenery became much more hilly than the region we'd been in. Stopped a few times for pictures, then arrived at our new home for the next few days.

Dinner at the Greyhound in Cromford, strolled around town a little, then headed back. I took a few pictures of the countryside in the late day light.

The transition from flax to malting in the same building is a reminder of how industrial infrastructure adapts. Buildings outlast their original purposes, getting repurposed as economics and technology change. The steel frame that prevented flax fires worked just as well for malting grain.

Images can be found here ... https://beloretrato0.picflow.com/d43bka91mw/btid29hk4y