We’ve just launched the new website for the Bonsall Framework Knitters’ Workshop, and we wanted to share what’s on there.
It’s been a fair bit of work pulling everything together – all the research we’ve been doing, the photos from the restoration, and the stories about the building and the people who lived and worked here. The aim was to make it easy for anyone to explore the history, whether you’re in Bonsall or halfway across the world.
So here’s what you’ll find.
Interactive timeline: 350 years in 49 entries
The big one is the timeline. We’ve mapped out 350 years of history, from the 1670s right through to today. It covers the building itself, the craft of framework knitting, and the people who kept it all going.
You can browse through all 49 entries, or filter by what you’re interested in – People, Building, Framework Knitting, Owners, Tenants, Activity, or Community. Each one has a date, a description, and photos or documents where we’ve got them.
Massive thanks to Jeanette Moss, who did the heavy lifting on this. Also to Peter Arrowsmith and Mel Morris, whose earlier research was a huge help.
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49 entries
1670-2021
Village map: where the workshops were
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7 workshop sites
+ points of interest
Framework knitting wasn’t just happening in our building. At its peak, there were workshops dotted all over Bonsall, each one turning out stockings, socks, and the occasional bit of fancy lace for the hosiery trade.
We’ve put together a map showing the seven known workshop sites, plus a few other points of interest around the village. Click on any of the markers and you’ll see photos, descriptions, and whatever we know about that spot.
Most of these buildings have been modernised over the years. Our one at Yew Tree Farm is a bit unusual – it’s stayed pretty much the same since it was built in 1737.
What else is there?
The timeline and map are the main attractions, but there’s plenty more on the site:
- Restoration updates – photos of the building work and a timeline showing where we’re at, from the planning stages through to (eventually) opening the doors
- The framework knitting machine – the story of how we found, bought, took apart, transported, and will put back together an original 18th century machine
- Listen and Explore – we’re working with the University of Derby’s Electro-Acoustic Research Lab on a 3D sound experience that’ll let you hear what it would have been like working in the shop 200 years ago (that’s coming soon)
- Your Visit – practical stuff like how to find us, when we’ll be open (aiming for summer 2026), and accessibility info
- What’s On – where we’ll post about open days, talks, and demonstrations once we’re up and running
- Acknowledgements – a proper thank you to our funders (The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic Houses Foundation) and everyone else who’s helped along the way
Come back and visit
The site’s going to keep growing as the project moves along. We’ll be adding more blog posts, more photos, and eventually that immersive audio thing we mentioned.
If you want to keep up with what’s happening, you can follow the blog or drop us a line on the contact page. And if you’re local, we’d love to see you at one of our open days when we’re ready to welcome people in.
For now, have a browse. The timeline and map are good places to start. Let us know what you think.
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