Penmachno Woollen Mill

 

Sadly, the woollen mill at Penmachno is no longer in operation, said by locals to be a matter of modern safety standards and the proximity of certain working parts to the stream. Many internet tourist sites seem to think it is still operational. Sorry! The buildings still stand in a delightful position by a bridge over the Machno River.

In the nineties it was operating as a factory and a sales outlet as well as a historical site for tourists. One unusual feature was the dummy of a man sitting on the old long drop toilet, which jutted out over the Machno River.

"When I was young the business was known as Hannah Jones and Son, and the son was running it and quite old - he opened a shop in Llanrwst on market days. When he died in the late 1960's a Mr. Simpson from Yorkshire bought it and wove some lovely modern double weave bedspreads etc. He later ran a mill in Llangollen. When he sold the mill it was bought by Craftcentre Cymru who were taken over by Edinburgh Woollen Mills. It is now closed and has been for sale for some time." - EW

One man remembers as a boy raising two orphan lambs. In time they increased to 20 lambs, and he took the wool to Penmachno Woollen Mill to raise pocket money. He says the owner, John Rees Jones, an old bachelor who wore a night cap, died at a great age, when the mill was sold.

 

Above: The Mill owner examining blankets in 1952 (Y Cymro)

 

Above: 1932 in Penmachno Woollen Factory. Ritchie Thomas and Robert John Jones at work.

 

Another photo of Richie Thomas, this time in 1952 as published by "Y Cymro". Richie Thomas worked at the Penmachno Woollen Mill from 1921 until his retirement in 1971 and was also a famous Welsh singer. A cousin of his on their fathers' sides was Rhiannon of "She Fashions" in Llanrwst.