Snuff Mills Action Group
Myths And Legends
Snuff Mills is a park of north Bristol, also known as Whitwood Mill.
The park was purchased in 1926 as "a pleasure walk for citizens of Bristol" and restored in the 1980s by the Fishponds Local History Society.
The park's name originates from one of the millers. His nickname was 'Snuffy Jack' because his smock was always covered in snuff.
The park includes an old quarry and a stone mill. The old mill within the park was used for cutting and crushing stone from the many quarries along the Frome Valley during the late 19th century. It contains a waterwheel, egg-ended boiler in its setting and the remains of a vertical steam engine. Despite the name, tobacco snuff was never ground in this mill. Young men used to mine for limestone and rocks which are used for construction of houses and drawn by houses.
Today, Snuff Mills is still a popular site for locals and visitors who come to enjoy the tranquility and natural surroundings.
There are many myths surrounding Snuff Mills such as the hooded monk and the woman riding a white horse. The most well known myth was about a person called Snuffy Jack and he was recognized by his large overalls. He made Snuff( tobacco) which he sold around the world. When he died people witnessed seeing his ghost.
It us called Half penny bridge because people used to pay that much to purchase water.
This used to provide power and electricity for nearby residents. It is called hydroelectric power.
This is where the workers used to mine and quarry for stone.