Wilsons & Co. (Sharrow) Ltd.
Sharrow Mills,
P.O. Box 32, Sheffield,
S11 8PL
England.

Telephone: +44 (0) 114 266 2677

Email: sales@sharrowmills.com

Registered in England. 2805993

For SatNav purposes please use the post code: S11 8PN

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A short history of Sharrow Mills

The first Wilson to come to Sharrow Mills was Thomas, a shearsmith, who rented the water wheel and buildings from the Duke of Norfolk in 1737. He had been Master Cutler in 1731. He was joined by his son Joseph, a silversmith, who was associated with Boulsover in the manufacture of the first Sheffield Plate. Joseph carried on the trade, and various others such as scythe making, at Sharrow Mills but sometime in the 1740’s he came into possession of the secrets of snuffmaking. By 1750 the snuff business had become the most important part of Joseph’s activities at Sharrow Mills and it was at this time that he started making SP, for which Sharrow has been famous ever since.

Seven generations of the Wilson family have followed Thomas at Sharrow Mills and the business is still wholly owned and run by members of the Wilson family.

Steam power was introduced in 1797 and the capacity of the mills has been gradually increased over the years but the water wheel is still working, deriving its power from the River Porter.

Sharrow snuffs were originally sent out in barrels, boxes and pigs’ bladders. Today a wide range of packing is available and snuff is made in an increasing number of flavours. These include Wallflower, Rose, Carnation, Lavender, Jockey Club, Sharrow Morlaix, Strasbourg, Aniseed & Eucalyptus, High Toast, Prince’s, Kendal Brown, Royal George, Strawberry, Menthol and Medicated snuffs, as well as the older varieties like S.P., Tom Buck, Queen’s, Crumbs of Comfort, and the top quality Gold Label. Wilsons also make the Fribourg and Treyer range of snuffs.