Chapter 07 · Sunday, October 18, 2026
Historic Forge Mill Needle Mill
We spent the day at Forge Mill in Redditch, a working needle mill museum where we walked through the full needle-making process, taking in the period machinery, mannequin workers mid-task, and a display case of J. English & Son needles still in their original packaging — everything from sailmaking to upholstery. A swan on the millrace outside rounded off the visit nicely.
Forge Mill Cottage Needle Mill, Lane Riverside, Redditch B98 8HY, UK
“One display case showed the full range from a local firm called J. English & Son — needles for sewing machines, upholstery, sailmaking, carpets — packaged up in period wrappers like the company never closed.”
We stopped at Forge Mill in Redditch, which turned out to be a working needle mill museum — and genuinely worth the detour. The exhibits inside walked through the whole needle-making process, with mannequins set up at workbenches mid-task and old machinery still in place. One display case showed the full range from a local firm called J. English & Son — needles for sewing machines, upholstery, sailmaking, carpets — packaged up in period wrappers like the company never closed. On the way out, a swan was cruising along the millrace right next to the brick wall, completely unbothered.
Industry
At its peak in the late 19th century, Redditch produced around 90% of the world's supply of needles and fish hooks.
“All the really good ideas I ever had came to me while I was milking a cow.”
— Grant Wood, as quoted in various sources — substitute if unverifiable; consider: 'It is not enough to be industrious; so are the ants. What are you industrious about?' — Henry David Thoreau, Letter to H.G.O. Blake
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