A RARE opportunity to take a step back in time and see industrial history first hand is being offered by Somerset Council.

Limited-numbers tours of the nationally important Toneworks, in Wellington, are available for the first time for ticketholders to see the interior of the more than 200-year-old Grade II* listed premises.

Toneworks was at the centre of Wellington’s cloth industry, and the building housed the textile dying and wet finishing - washing and drying - processes.

The cloth was woven at the nearby Tonedale Mill.

The factory used water, and later steam, to power production and some of the machinery is still intact, along with evidence of electrical power.

Both the mill and Toneworks were owned by the Fox family who employed generations of Wellington families, producing woollen cloth, including fabric used for British Army uniforms.

The premises fell into disrepair, but the machinery and relics of the water and steam power remained and their survival is recognised for its importance and historical significance.

The former Somerset West and Taunton Council took on the premises in 2020 and undertook a phased programme of works to start bringing the derelict site into better condition.

The focus of the three phases of repair so far has been to tackle the most structurally complex and urgent problems as well as a large decontamination phase needed before any works could take place.

Now Somerset Council is offering the chance for small groups to see what has been achieved – and what still needs to be done.

The Unravelling Toneworks Tours will be available throughout the summer until October, led by the council’s Heritage at Risk team, supported by the South West Heritage Trust, with some sessions led by professionals who have worked on the site.

Cllr Ros Wyke, executive lead member for economic development, planning and assets, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity to see behind the scenes of an iconic part of Wellington’s history.

"It is a national treasure that we are trying to secure for future generations, and I hope people will seize this rare chance to see a precious part of the nation’s industrial history.

“I would like to thank Historic England, Wellington Town Council and South West Heritage Trust for the funding and support over recent years, as well as the council’s Heritage at Risk team.”

Future uses for Toneworks are likely to be community-focused but depend on what funding becomes available.

Tickets are free but advance booking is essential via www.eventbrite.com/cc/unravelling-toneworks-2410909 - hard hats will be provided.