Patterson's Spade Mill

Virtual Visit

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Address:

751 Antrim Road,
Templepatrick,
Co. Antrim
BT39 0AP

Telephone: 028 9443 3619

You can buy one of only 200 spades made by hand every year, at this the last working water-driven spade mill in daily use in the British Isles.

Discover the history and culture behind the humble spade. Listen to the hammers, smell the grit, feel the heat and witness the thrill on a guided tour of traditional spade-making, vividly capturing life during the Industrial Revolution.

Visitors can watch as red hot billets of steel are removed from the forge and fashioned into spades using the mills massive trip hammer.

The photographer wishes to thank Colin for 'cloning' himself during the forging of the spade!

Comments (2)

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Keith Baldwin (England ) 20 March 2012

A fascinating day out for anyone interested in Industrial History.Originally powered by a water wheel later converted to a water turbine,the mill is a living,working museum and a testament to the skills of our forebears.The number of different types of spades produced is an education in itself.When next in Northern Ireland please visit-I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

H.M.Murdoch-Hall (Auckland New Zealand) 25 August 2009

Absolutely brilliant. Three interesting hours that disappeared very quickly. I'm sure most people would not realise just how a spade was constructed and how all the original machinery is maintained. It is in great working condition and the demonstrations and commentary by all concerned made an excellent finish to a wonderful afternoon.
Definitely reccommend a visit & you can purchase any one of dozens of spades if you so wish. We were impressed.

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