Great snuff: Tobacco company celebrates 275th anniversary

Date: 03/08/2012. Story submitted by: Gael Stigant

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A relatively unknown Sheffield tobacco company has celebrated its 275th anniversary this week.

Wilsons of Sharrow, based at Sharrow Mills just off Ecclesall Road, was founded in 1737 by Sheffielder and former Master Cutler Joseph Wilson.

It was originally a scythe manufacturer but after falling upon the secrets of making snuff – a mixture of ground tobacco and other mystery ingredients that is sniffed up the nose - Joseph’s son Thomas made snuff production the major arm of the business.

A further six generations have followed on from Thomas and to this day, the small company is still wholly owned by descendants of the Wilson family.

Snuff was hugely popular in the 18th and 19th centuries when the Wilsons enjoyed spectacular success. However, the introduction of mass-produced cigarettes in the early 20th century impacted enormously on the popularity of snuff and today only two English manufacturers survive.

Snuff was originally ground using water power, and the company is proud to use and maintain what they believe to be the oldest working water wheel in the country, which derives its power from the little river Porter.

Wilsons of Sharrow, also known as Wilsons and Co (Sharrow) Ltd, now has 12 employees and produces more than 100 different flavours of snuff including Super Menthol, Rum and Blackberry, Vanilla and Irish Whiskey.

Taking snuff has become much more popular in recent years following the introduction of the smoking ban and with its ever-increasing market share, production at Sharrow Mills is expected to top 50 tons a year for the first time in many years.

Today, 100 invited guests will celebrate the company’s anniversary in the grounds of Sharrow Mills, with the stunning old mill pond as the backdrop.

Additional info

Address: Ecclesall Road Sheffield S11 8PN

Tags: Snuff, Sharrow Mills, Wilsons of Sharrow, English Snuff, Master Cutler

Web link: http://www.sharrowmills.com