Britain's What's On Event Guide
Dawe's Twineworks
Heritage Open Day: Dawe's Twineworks, West Coker, celebrates the former flax and hemp industries of south Somerset and west Dorset which flourished in the age of sail. It is now the only surviving Victorian Twineworks in the UK - and it works. The Jurassic sandstone of our area was ideal for growing flax and hemp - the raw material for twine, rope, nets and sailcloth. These products were the basis of world exploration and trade.
Coker Canvas was the best quality sailcloth available, but when others copied the process and power looms were introduced elsewhere, our village of West Coker moved over to mass production of twine.
Our twineworks began in 1851 but was rebuilt and mechanised by the Dawe family in 1898. It operated until 1968 and by 2000 was derelict and in danger of collapse.
Coker Canvas was the best quality sailcloth available, but when others copied the process and power looms were introduced elsewhere, our village of West Coker moved over to mass production of twine.
Our twineworks began in 1851 but was rebuilt and mechanised by the Dawe family in 1898. It operated until 1968 and by 2000 was derelict and in danger of collapse.
Sun 8 Sep:1000-1600; Sun 15 Sep:1000-1600; Free Entry.
Dawe’s Twineworks, 94A High Street, West Coker, Yeovil, Somerset BA229AU
Sun 8 Sep to Sun 15 September