AS PART of an exciting one-off project to celebrate the bicentenary of Ebley Mill in Stroud, 'Cathedral of Cloth' will offer an exhibition, guided tours of the mill, a history walk and boat trips on September 8 and 9, telling the story of Stroud's rich textile heritage.

In 2018 Ebley Mill celebrates the building of the Long Block at Ebley 200 years ago.

Now it flourishes under the care of Stroud District Council but the story of the mill is much older and more varied. It reaches back to the early 1400s; it was owned by a fashionable man about town before Samuel Marling made it into the powerhouse of the Stroud Valleys in the 19th century.

Working closely with Stroud's Museum in the Park, Stroudwater Textile Trust developed an exhibition telling the story of the mill; this was displayed at Museum in the Park in February and there will now be a second opportunity to view a smaller version of this at the Ebley Mill site over Heritage Open Day weekend.

As well as viewing the exhibition, visitors will have the opportunity to book onto some special activities:

Saturday September 8:

Chartists, Weavers and William Morris. A Walk with Stuart Butler. Depart 10.30am from Ebley Mill, up to Selsley Church, a tour of the church and refreshments, return to Ebley Mill. Approx three hours total.

History Tours of the Mill at 11am, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm.

Sunday September 9:

History Tours of the Mill at 11am, 12pm, 14pm and 3pm.

Canal boat trips, 30 mins, from Ebley Wharf 2-4pm with the Cotswold Canal Trust. Book on the day.

All activities are free but spaces are limited, please book in advance through stroud-textile.org.uk or direct via cathedralofcloth.eventbrite.co.uk.

This project has been generously supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Stroud District Council, Stroud Town Council and Museum in the Park.