Satanic Mills

Dark Satanic Mills (or in Model railway parlance DSM) is a term lifted from William Blake’s famous poem "Jerusalem" written in 1804 (only later turned into an emotionally charged highly patriotic hymn by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916).  Dark Satanic Mills are a symbol of the Industrial revolution in England, huge factories built of brick or stone filled with what was then the latest hi-tech machinery manufacturing the goods that turned England into the then greatest industrial power in the world. Later the empty shells of these structures came to symbolise the industrial malaise that inflicted England in later years.  And did those feet in ancient time, Walk upon Englands mountains green: And was the holy Lamb of God, On Englands pleasant pastures seen! And did the Countenance Divine, Shine forth upon our clouded hills? And was Jerusalem builded here, Among these dark Satanic Mills? Bring me my Bow of burning gold: Bring me my Arrows of desire: Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold: Bring me my Chariot of fire! I will not cease from Mental Fight, Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand: Till we have built Jerusalem, In Englands green & pleasant Land. By William Blake This ‘N’ scale layout was originally built in England for a gentleman living in Dubai and was subsequently shipped to Australia. It languished in a packing case for about eight years and had suffered severe cockroach and termite damage before being donated to the club, along with much rolling stock depicting the same era. It has been carefully restored to its former state and is now proudly displayed among the club assets.