Holford Mill
at Perry Bridge, Birmingham
Used for fulling cloth in the 14thC. By the 16thC it was an iron mill.
Sublet to Matthew Boulton from c.1764 to at least 1782 for rolling metal for use at his Soho Manufactory, after he left Sarehole Mill.
1836 Sale Notice: 'TO SOLD LET, and entered upon at Michaelmas next, a very powerful MILL, called HOLFORD MILL, in the occupation of Messrs. Willmore and Co. now and for many years past used for Rolling Metals, Wiredrawing, &c. The Mill situated on the River Tame, in he parish of Handsworth, within a short distance of the town of Birmingham, and well adapted for the purposes of Birmingham Trade, or it may be easily converted into a Flour Mill. There are three Houses for Workmen near the Mill; and also a large and convenient Dwelling House, suitable for the residence of a respectable family, with Coach-house, Stabling, and extensive and productive Gardens attached thereto. The whole held under lease for an unexpired term of 16 years, at a very low annual rent. For further particulars apply to Mr. William Fowler, Land Surveyor, Birches Green, near Birmingham, or at his offices, Waterloo-street, Birmingham.'[1]
1846 Sale of equipment, which included 'several trains of rolls of the following dimensions, one pair 20 inches by 11 1/2 inches, one pair 15 inches by 8 inches, one pair 15 inches by 7 1/2 inches, one pair 15 inches by 9 inches, two pair 12 inches 7 inches, one pair 10 inches by 7 inches, one pair 5 inches by 4 inches, one pair 24 inches by 8 1/4 inches, all in good working condition, with frames, pinions, guides, &c. complete ; large circular and other shears, powerful driving wheels and shafting, with carriages and brasses, about 90 feet of 1 1/4 inch lead piping, several pairs of extra rolls, a powerful bench for drawing metal tubes, &c. about 20 feet long, constructed on the newest principle, with shafts, bevil wheels, pulley, and endless chain, with bearers complete, two water-pumps with cast-iron cylinders, two muffles or annealing furnaces, pair of bellows, large drum with iron arms, and other effects. ....'[2]