Awoke this morning to the sound of rain on the caravan roof but within an hour it had cleared up and gone sunny again. Last day of Heritage Open Days so this time we went to the needle museum in Redditch. I was always told as a child when we drove trough Redditch to visit relatives in Leamington Spa that it was famous for making needles so I was interested to see the museum. Apparently Redditch once made 90% of the World's needles. The museum is set in Victorian times and it appears it was a very labour intensive and painstaking operation with many processes to complete. Parts of which were very unhealthy due to the dust created. It was all driven by water power from the river.
Besides the many types of sewing needles, from surgical to leather, Redditch also made knitting needles and crochet hooks, sewing machine needles, hat pins, gramophone needles and fishing hooks. There were some lovely framed displays. Millwards was the largest producer.
There was a display of knitting needle size gauges and I was surprised to see one very much like one I have at home so when I got back I took a photo of it to compare. Mine is on the right.
After the museum we went on a guided tour of Bordesley Abbey which is next to the museum. Although now just ruins it was interesting to learn of the history from the guide who was very knowledgeable.
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