Forge Mill Needle Museum in Redditch is an unusual and fascinating place to visit. This historic site illustrates the rich heritage of the needle and fishing tackle industries. Models and recreated scenes provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch once produced 90% of the world's needles.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
On the same site, just a very short walk from Forge Mill Museum, are the ruins of Bordesley Abbey - a medieval Cistercian Abbey which has been extensively excavated. Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, which is set in an original reconstructed 16th century barn, tells the extraordinary story of the Abbey from its development in the 12th century to its destruction in 1538 by Henry VIII during the dissolution.
Services
Forge Mill
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The museum tells the fascinating and sometimes gruesome story of needle making in Victorian times. The Mill is a listed building which houses original water powered machinery. Models and recreated scenes and an audio trail provide a vivid illustration of how needles were once made, and how Redditch came to dominate the world needle trade.
Bordesley Abbey
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In 1140 a group of Cistercian monks from Garendon Abbey in Leicestershire were granted land in the Arrow Valley by Waleran de Beaumont, Count of Meulan and Earl of Worcester. This enabled the monks to found Bordesley Abbey and turn the Arrow Valley into a place suitable for a monastery. Bordesley means 'the place where boards were obtained'.
Exhibitions
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In addition to the permanent exhibits at the Forge Mill Needle Museum and Bordesley Abbey Visitor Centre, we also have a wide variety of interesting and exciting exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions are housed on the middle floor of the Mill building. There is no additional charge to enter the exhibitions, since the cost is included in our normal admission rates.
Play Area
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For our younger visitors we have an attractive and well equipped adventure play area, which has seating in the form of picnic benches, and is situated very close to our seasonal coffee bar. The area is made secure by a fence. Entrance is through the museum shop. Admission to the play area is included in our Grounds Only entrance rate, as well as our Standard Entry rates.
Workshops
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The museum provides fun and exciting workshops that enable children to explore themes in a creative and practical way. These reasonably priced sessions often take place in the school holidays to provide activities to occupy children when they are needed by parents the most! The workshops are aimed at 8 years and upwards but may be suitable for younger children if accompanied by an adult.
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