wellbrook beetling mill

Beetling was the last stage in the manufacture of linen which gave the damask cloth its characteristic smoothness and gleaming sheen. This was achieved by pounding the material with heavy wooden hammers with relentless rhythm for anything up to 9 hours. Linen beetling started at Wellbrook around 1764 when Hugh Faulkner identified the area as a suitable locatiion for a mill. By the end of the 18th century there were no fewer than six mills serving Wellbrook bleachworks, and similar buildings were a common sight along river valleys throughout Ulster. The linen industry declined dramatically during the 20th century and this was the last mill operating at Wellbrook when it ceased production in 1961. A visit to Wellbrook is a unique experience which can easily be combined with a trip to Springhill, near moneymore, which is only eight miles away.

Located 3 miles from Cookstown on the Omagh road (A505). From Cookstown, turn right at Kildress Parish Church.