- With its unique blend of the latest technology and ancient skills, Marriage’s Millers caters for today’s
baker with aplomb
Today’s fine food world is undoubtedly one where quality, heritage and story are revered – and it’s these credentials that have been delighting Marriage’s flour customers since it was first founded in 1824.
In that year, twin brothers William and Henry Marriage – descended from a line of farmers and millers since the 1700s – inherited their father’s mill, and so begins the story of W & H Marriage. “The brothers dedicated themselves to setting new standards for the quality of flour,” explains Hannah Marriage, director of Marriage’s Millers. “Working closely with local farmers, their passion and dedication continues to inspire us today, and with each generation comes new innovation.”
Organic production is just one of the standards that have been set by previous generations and upheld ever since. Sampson David Marriage was an early champion of organic wheat and flour, and his son – current chairman George Marriage – helped to form the Organic Food Federation as well as support organic research projects within the agriculture and milling sectors.
This dedication to doing things properly is still at Marriage’s core. “Today, we continue our commitment to milling quality flour that elevates every bake,” says Hannah. “Using only premium wheat from local and international farmers, our flour makes for golden loaves and lighter bakes.”
Marriage’s support of local farmers has paved the way for its success. The local Essex countryside offers the ideal soil and weather conditions for growing high quality wheat – an integral part of producing premium flour. “Flour quality is determined
by the quality of the wheats used, as well as the grist and the skill of the miller in grinding the wheat,” she explains.
The expertise of Marriage’s millers as well as those involved in the scientific aspect of the business’s operations play a key role in delivering optimum flour to customers. “We have a CLAS approved laboratory and technical baker who test the wheat and flour performance throughout the milling process. Consistency of performance is what’s key for our customers, whether they’re an artisan bakery or home baker, and we feel this is paramount in our success in milling for 200 years.”
Indeed, this meeting of modern technology and historical technique – also relationships, as some of Marriage’s farming partners have worked with the millers for generations – is what set Marriage’s apart. When the business was founded by William and Henry Marriage, their mills were powered by wind and water while biting the grain was the best way to test it. In 1891, thanks to the brothers’ forward-thinking, modern roller milling was introduced to Moulsham Mill and vastly increased production – so much so that the pair decided to relocate operations to Chelmer Mill, a site located a stone’s through away from the burgeoning Chelmsford train station. The business has stayed there ever since, and has become a much-loved landmark for modern-day travellers.
“Today, Chelmer Mill is a unique mix of ultra-high-tech milling machinery and traditional techniques,” says Hannah. “We still have some traditional stoneground flours which are milled the old-fashioned, slower way, by grinding the whole grain between horizontal Victorian French Burr stones. Milling in this way gives the flour a distinctive nutty flavour and more rounded bran texture.”
A thoroughly modern range
The Essex-based miller may have historical roots, but it has its finger firmly on the pulse when it comes to satisfying the 2024 consumer’s appetite for new. “Today our range stands at 18 award-winning flours, a wide range of white, brown and stoneground wholemeal flours. Whether you’re looking to make bread, cake, pastry or pizza, there’s a flour to suit within our range,” says Hannah. In the 1980s Marriage’s launched its organic range which proudly supports sustainability, wildlife and soil fertility, and as a result of the growing interest in sourdough the business released Light Spelt and Dark Rye flours for use in long fermentation baking.
“With consumers looking for wholesome options in recent years, we added our unique Golden Wholegrain flours to the range – naturally high in fibre and protein, our Golden Wholegrain flours let you enjoy all the benefits of wholemeal with a lighter, milder taste.” Using carefully selected grains and expertly grinding them whole, consumers and professionals alike can relish a delicious flour which retains all of the nutrients and natural flavour of these special grains.
While discerning consumers play an important role in Marriage’s operations, the business also supplies artisan bakers, manufacturers and chefs worldwide – well and truly catering to the world’s growing appetite for premium bakes.
Marriage’s may have conquered the home baking category and impressed professionals around the globe, but the mission doesn’t stop there: “As we celebrate our 200th anniversary, we plan to continue growing the business but remain committed to milling quality flour, like our founders were back in 1824.”
