Wilsons of Sharrow
Wilsons of Sharrow is the worlds oldest snuff manufactory based in the Sharrow district of Sheffield. The Wilson family has been producing snuff on Sharrow Mills since the 1700s. The whole story begins with Thomas Wilson, who came to Sharrow Mills in 1737. He rented the water wheel and a few buildings of the Duke of Norfolk. Thomas was a shearsmith and had been a head of the famous firm Cutler's company which produced among others, steel products. He was very important for the industry in Sheffield at that time. Thomas was followed by his son Joseph, a silversmith who had worked with Thomas Boulsover who invented the Sheffield plate. Joseph continued this silver-plating and also other manufacturing such as saw-making at Sharrow Mill's and in other places in Sheffield. During the 1730's it's believed Joseph came across a recipe of how to make snuff. This smokeless product became his greatest interest and in the 1750's it was also the main production at Sharrow Mills. It was at this time he started to produce the popular SP, The best known and best-selling Wilson-snuff of all time.
In 1797 they started using steam power, but still today the old water wheel at Sharrow Mills works. Whole six generations since Thomas arrived at Sharrow Mills the company and production is till operated by the Wilson family. Now the company is called Wilson & Company (sharrow) Ltd.
