Milward's of Redditch

1730

Founded in the historic tackle-making town of Redditch, Worcestershire, Henry Milward & Sons, better known as Millward's, was one of Britain's finest and most respected fishing tackle manufacturers. Alongside legendary Redditch names such as Allcock, Partridge, Wilkins, Lee, Martinez & Bird, and J.W. Young, Millward's helped establish the town as the world centre of fishing tackle production during the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries.
The origins of the Milward family trade can be traced back to 1676, when James Milward was recorded as a needle maker on Fish Hill in Redditch. In 1730, Symon Milward formally established Henry Milward & Sons, originally known as Millward's Needles, producing high-quality needles that gained an international reputation for craftsmanship and precision.
The transition from needle making to fishing tackle was a natural one. Colonel Henry Milward, an enthusiastic fly angler, combined business with personal passion and expanded the company into the fishing trade, creating Millward's Fishing Tackle Company. Skilled workers moved from producing needles and syringes to crafting hooks, artificial flies, devons, spoons, reels, and split-cane rods, helping build Millward's reputation for reliable, beautifully engineered tackle.
Millward's became particularly well known for traditional British-made reels, including centre pin and frogback sea reels, many of which are now highly sought after by collectors and vintage angling enthusiasts. Their products reflected the quality and engineering excellence associated with Redditch tackle makers.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Millward's continued to innovate and expand, producing a wide range of coarse, sea, and fly fishing equipment while maintaining the