Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery - Schools

The History of Sarehole Mill

Sarehole Mill is the last surviving mill of the 50 water mills that existed in Birmingham at one time. Sarehole has been used not only for corn grinding but also for metal trades such as sharpening tools, wire drawing and metal rolling. Until the late 19th century, many industrial workplaces were powered by water wheels. Water power was used in the processing of wool, iron, needles, silk and cotton in factories around the country.

Many of Birmingham's water mills were used for industrial work. The names of roads and districts are evidence of this, for example, Thimble Mill Road, Pebble Mill, Hay Mills.

In 1542, John Beddell got permission to build a mill at Sarehole. It was called Beddle’s Mill, then later changed to Biddle’s Mill and then in the 18th century High Wheel Mill and later Little Mill.

Matthew Boulton's father rented the Mill and Sarehole Farm in 1756. When his father died, Matthew Boulton took over the Mill for making buttons and for metal rolling but in 1761 he moved his operations to Soho in Handsworth.

In the 1760s, John Jones was grinding cutlery and edge tools at Sarehole.

During the 18th century, three generations of the Eaves family owned the Mill. The last owner, Richard Eaves, rebuilt the Mill from 1765 - 68. In 1775, he was bankrupt and the Mill was put up for sale.

In 1807, a second water wheel was put in to drive the blade grinding machinery.

In 1851, John Mander and his wife Jemima lived and worked at Sarehole with their two daughters and three servants.

From 1800 - 1850, William Deakin and Sons used the mill to grind sword blades and gun barrels for the East India Company.

In 1858, John Andrew rented the Mill and his descendants lived there until 1959, although they stopped milling in 1919.