St Mary’s Mill

One of the most picturesque mills in the Stroud Valleys is St Mary’s in Chalford. Built like a diminutive Ebley Mill, it retains an imposing but static water wheel. A Tangye steam engine, which was working until the 1960s, is now powered by electricity. Reportedly it is the largest of its type in its original position. The massive remains of the last working fulling stocks in Gloucestershire from Cam Mill are explained. There is also a milling machine that replaced the stocks. Like the water wheel, it was built nearby by Ferrabee at Phoenix Ironworks, Thrupp. With a long history dating back to the Middle Ages, St Mary’s is an excellent example of how the countryside was once busy with industry. Visitors must book beforehand; telephone 01453 766273.

There is only disabled parking at the mill, so park at the Chalford Roundhouse and walk one kilometre along the towpath towards Stroud, following the signs.