Rock Mill Llandysul

The Mill lies in the narrow valley of Afon Clettwr, a tributary of the River Teifi, on a minor road about 0.5 kilometres (0.31 mi) south east of the church of St David in Capel Dewi.[1] Capel Dewi is about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) east-north-east of Llandysul.[2] Water is carried to the wheel along a short leat from a weir on the river.[1]

During the Industrial Revolution the Teifi Valley became the centre of the Woollen industry in Wales, employing thousands of weavers, spinners, dyers, knitters, drapers and tailors.[3] The river and its tributaries powered dozens of mills, and sheep in the surrounding grassland supplied fleeces to be made into woollen products.[4] Rock Mill was built in the 1890s by the great grandfather of the present owner.[1] The two-storey mill is built of stone, with flagstone floors and low ceilings.[3] The mill has been operated continuously by the same family since its foundation as a spinning and weaving mill. Few changes have been made in that period.[1] The mill is now the only commercial woollen mill powered by water that is still operating in Wales.[5]

The mill is powered by the original double cast-iron overshot water wheel made by the "Bridgend" foundry of Cardigan. The wheel is 12 feet (3.7 m) in diameter and 7 feet (2.1 m) wide. It drives line shafting through the mill which supplies a direct drive to the carding and spinning machines, and drives an electrical generator that powers two looms.[1] The mill is open to visitors from Spring to Autumn, and has a shop where textiles are sold.[1] The mill makes blankets with traditional "tapestry" (double-woven) designs.[6] Other woven or knitted products made from yarn produced in the mill include throws, rugs and shawls.[2]