The Silk Mill, Brook Street, Tring, Hertfordshire
This silk mill was part of a large textile mill complex. It was built in 1824 for William Kay who bought the Manor of Tring in 1823. It was run by his brother from Macclesfield but leased to David Evans & Co. after 4 years. It was in use up to 1898. When the mill was described in 1840 there was a 25hp (horse power) steam engine and 16hp of water power. It employed 500 people, consisting of 40 men, 140 women and 320 children. Gerald Massey the Chartist poet and prototype of Felix Holt in George Eliot's novel entered the mill here in 1836 aged eight. The use and exploitation of children in factories was common at this time. Find out more about steam power in our Teachers' Kit - Steam Power.
