Pin Mill and Harry King & Sons
Pin Mill is a hamlet set in a sheltered anchorage about half way up the River Orwell.
Once a busy landing point for barges, and home to many small industries such as sail making, a maltings (which is now our workshop) and a brickyard, Pin Mill is now generally known for its recently extended Butt & Oyster pub, and for yacht and dinghy sailing.
Our team work hard to continue the industrious traditions of the area, building boats to enjoy and treasure for a lifetime.
Local attractions include:
- Excellent sailing on the river
- Fantastic walks along the shore
- Photography studio, offering photography and painting courses, and ceramics cafe
- Historical pub The Butt & Oyster
- The Pin Mill Sailing Club
- Short distance to local shops
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Looking across Pin Mill waterfront in 1908 towards the boatyard. You will be able to spot the sheds used for boatbuilding by George Garrard who started around 1850. His apprentice Harry King took over the business in 1898. The sign in the picture was repainted and is the same sign outside the yard today. |
Harry King working in the shed, or "shanty", with his shipwrights. This photograph was taken around 1900. |
Harry King. |
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The boatyard in 1952, getting ready for launching "Callidus". The "Selina King" was built here in 1938 for the children's author Arthur Ransome. The "Peter Duck" was also built here for Ransome in 1946. |
The current owner of "Olive May" kindly provided this photograph. She is a Gaff Cutter and was built by Harry King & Sons in 1931. This photo shows her launch, at the front of the yard, in June of that year. |