Patterson's Spade Mill, Temple Patrick, County Antrim

Acquisition of and repair of Patterson's Spade mill, the last surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland. Completely restored by the National Trust, it is now back in production employing two spade makers. The Patterson's family handed down the art of spade-making from generation to generation. John Patterson was the fourth successive oldest son to be engaged in spade-making when he moved to County Antrim from County Tyrone just after the First World War, attracted there by the good water supply for powering the turbine. A visit to Patterson's recreates the living atmosphere of part of the industrial revolution with the noise of hammers, turbines and presses and the smell of oil, metal and wood shavings. Through the guided tours, the fascinating process of spade-making is demonstrated. There is an excellent exhibition in the reception area which explains the traditional process and reveals some of the history and culture of the humble spade.