Cambrian Woollen Mill

The Cambrian Mill is situated beside the Afon Irfon on the edge of Mynydd Epynt and the Cambrian Mountains. The Brecon Beacons and Carmarthen Fans lie to the south.[1] The building dates to 1820, when it opened as a corn mill, which was converted to a Welsh flannel weaving mill.[2] The mill carded, dyed, spun and wove local wool, using water power until about 1860.[2]

Before World War II (1939–45) the mill supplied woollen products to Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother. It has been visited by Elizabeth II (before her accession to the throne) and Charles, Prince of Wales. The woollen industry in Wales declined in the 20th century, partly due to competition from more modern English mills. The Cambrian mill is one of a handful of mills that are left.[2]

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  Mill exterior, early 20th century
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  Textile machinery in the 1940s
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  Textile machinery in the 1940s

The mill produces blankets, throws, scarves, ties, hats and fabric. It also designs and weaves 37 Welsh tartans.[3] The mill weaves all the wool cloth for the Welsh Tartan Centre.[4] The mill has a tea and gift shop, a crafts studio and an exhibit of historical weaving in Wales.[5] In 2014 Hefin Jones of Cardigan designed a pressurized space suit made from Welsh wool supplied by Cambrian Woollen Mill as well as Melin Tregwynt, Melin Teifi and the National Wool Museum.[6]