Sharrow Mills

Joseph Wilson was a highly successful entrepreneur who broadened the business, introducing the production of Sheffield plate through his acquaintance with Thomas Boulsover as well as saw making.

He paid the Duke of Norfolk to widen and improve the leats, giving the mill a unique tail goit system which crossed under the meandering Porter Brook in a culvert.

[4] On 20 January 1763 a fire destroyed large areas of the mill[5] and a national collection was organised to compensate Joseph Wilson because his business was so important to tax revenue.

Detailed valuation records from the first half of the 19th century itemise an overshot water wheel developing 10.25 HP, steam engine, drying house, warehouses and packing rooms.

A new snuff mill was built in 1880 to complement the existing one and this is arranged around a courtyard with various other 19th century buildings, including the counting house, warehouse and stable block.