Shrewsbury Flax Mill Maltings - detail

Image: © Chris Allen Taken: 3 Dec 2022

This is a Grade I Listed iron-framed fireproof building that is claimed to be the world's first and the progenitor of all modern skyscrapers. As built in 1796-7 it had large windows as seen here to provide illumination for the flax processes. In 1897 the mill was converted to a floor maltings and this necessitated fewer and smaller windows. The large windows were blocked and small windows and ventilating slats inserted in every third bay. The centre of the picture shows a run of the small windows while the large windows either side have been reinstated as part of the conversion to office space and a ground floor museum. The five storey mill now looks more like it did as built. Although the mill is largely of fireproof construction, the roof of this block has wooden A-frame trusses carrying slates but immediately below them are inclined brick vaults springing from cast iron beams. This arrangement is apparently unique and it is a pity the public cannot see it. Later roofs in the complex have iron trusses but the first iron roof only appeared in 1804.

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