The Village

Slitting Mill Village

Slitting Mill is a hamlet of fewer than 400 people, about one and a quarter miles west of Rugeley on the very edge of Cannock Chase. The village has also been known as Rolling Mill, and Stonehouse.

The name of Slitting Mill is derived from the type of work carried out along the stream where mills would split (slit) wood and metal.

A wire maker at work using a slitting mill
(Click for larger image)

The stream originates on the Chase, and runs through the village forming a pond. It then runs down past what was once Hagley Hall, again forming a pond,  and on to Rugeley and to the Trent.

The road through the village is approximately 1 mile long with rows of terraces dotted along its length.

Cannock Chase was originally an ancient forest owned and used for hunting by the Earls of Mercia and the Plantagenet Kings.

In 1189 Richard the First sold the forest to the Bishop of Lichfield to raise money to fight in the Crusade. As only Kings could own a forest it became a "Chase".

It now forms a precious wildlife habitat, including the largest herd of fallow deer in Britain.

A vivid description of the village of Slitting Mill is contained in a book entitled 'The Best of Cannock Chase' by "Pitman" reprinted by the Express and Star in 1933.   We are told that Cannock Chase was a busy place for the smelting of iron as far back as the days of Elizabeth I.

The Triangle

The triangular island at the bottom of Post Office Lane has been 'adopted' by some residents of Slitting Mill, having been abandoned by the Council due to lack of funds.

We try to keep it neat and tidy, and keep it stocked with bulbs, shrubs and annuals so that it is pleasing to look at for everyone who passes by.

If you would like to help  with the upkeep of the island, or have any ideas to make our work a little easier, please contact us!

Working Party!

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