Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings is internationally important as its Main Mill is the world’s first iron-framed building (built 1797) and is the forerunner to the modern-day skyscraper.

On 10 September 2022, 225 years after the Mill originally opened, the site opened to the public for visitors to learn more about its incredible role in the Industrial Revolution and the great contribution Shrewsbury and the Midlands have made to the world as manufacturers and innovators.

The complex, consisting of eight listed buildings, has been closed for the past 35 years. Following redevelopment under Historic England’s ownership with the help of architects Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, four of the listed buildings – the Grade I listed Main Mill, the Grade II listed Kiln and the Grade II listed Smithy and Stables – are now restored and the Main Mill is open for the first time as a visitor destination – where people can come to celebrate and explore the site’s story.

New exhibition ‘The Mill’ Created by Historic England and exhibition consultants Mather & Co, new exhibition The Mill tells the story of Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings and its crucial role in the industrial revolution.

Over its history Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings has been a place of ideas, innovation and change, constantly developed and adapted against the backdrop of revolution, technological advancement and societal change. With digital and hands-on activities for all ages, visitors can walk one of the floors where spinning machines whirred, flax flew, and barley was processed for beer to brew. They can discover the lives and stories of workers, engineers, soldiers and entrepreneurs who played their part in one of the greatest heritage transformations and regenerations of all time. The story of its pioneering beginnings and how its engineering paved the way for skylines across the world, the people who created the Mill and who worked there, and the campaign to save and repurpose it for future generations to enjoy, is fascinating and holds something for everyone.

Guided Tours & Cafe Once you have learned the history of the site through The Mill exhibition you can also take guided tours around the site. The Behind the Scenes tour takes you through some of the areas not normally accessible including the Cross Mill and Kiln whilst the Jubilee Tower tour takes you to the viewing platform on the top pf the building, offering great views of Shrewsbury and the surrounding countryside.

The Turned Wood Cafe occupies the space that was previously a wood-turners shop and serves a range of hot and cold drinks and vegetarian and plant-based food. Find out more and buy tickets at : ShrewsburyFlaxmillMaltings.org.uk