In the days before the Industrial Revolution wool was spun and woven in the homes using hand cards, spinning wheels and hand looms. The woven cloth was taken to a water-driven fulling mill called a “pandy” in Welsh where it was washed and finished. The cloth was then stretched out on tenters in a field to dry.
This mill started as a “pandy” and was sited next to the Crafnant river in order to use the water to drive the water wheels and also for washing the cloth. The water wheels were dismantled circa 1900 when a hydro-electric turbine was first installed. The current turbine dates from the 1940s.
When Thomas Williams bought the mill in1859 it had already been functioning for at least thirty years and is still owned and run by the same family.
Nowadays they still card, spin and weave the wool to manufacture traditional Welsh “tapestry” bedspreads, travelling rugs and tweeds using machines which are over 50 years old. Visitors can view the weaving and the hydro-electric turbine (mid February – mid December, Monday – Friday). Additional vintage machinery can be seen in the mill museum from Easter to October. See their website for dates for hand spinning and rag rug making demonstrations.
Mid February – mid December
Monday – Friday
10.00 a.m. – 1.00 p.m. and 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 p.m.
Free Entry
Situated in the centre of Trefriw on the B5106, five miles north of Betws-y-Coed. Sat Nav LL27 0JG
Nearest station: Llandudno Junction
Bus route 19 from Llandudno Junction, Conwy and Llanrwst
Free public car park opposite the mill museum