Visit Our Museums
The Silk Museum, Paradise Mill
'Paradise' is Macclesfield's most popular attraction! The tie silk made on it's Jacquard hand looms was some of the finest ever made in Macclesfield - with up to 500 'ends' or threads per inch. Although built c. 1860, the mill was operated by Cartwright and Sheldon silk weavers from 1912 until 1981, and it is within this time period, 1930 to be exact, that the exhibitions and room settings have been set to illustrate life in Paradise Mill.
At this mill, knowledgeable guides demonstrate the intricate processes of weaving, using one of the 26 restored Jacquard handlooms.
From this mill speciality ties were sent to America, labelled 'Pure Silk, made in Macclesfield, England and imported in the Queen Mary' .