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Our thanks to Alan Gifford, for mailing us this update on Bradbourne Mill.

Much as I would like to have seen this lovely building stay as a water mill, it was not to be and Amos Developments Ltd. are making a good job of the work on site. Much of the approved conversion, other than of the mill, is in the late stages of activity.

In the mill, the top floor has been panelled but the old sack hoist has been retained in place.

On the stone floor, the ruin of the dresser has been removed and the the best pieces conserved. The removal operation was well recorded. A new staircase is in place.

The wheel pit has been dug out and the framings of both wheels are clearly visible. These have now been slowly turned by hand. (See photo below.) Both are to be rebuilt and will be recorded, since access is now possible. They will be turned from time to time with recycled water from the mill pond, since there is no direct access to the main stream water.

Against the recommendation of the Midland Mills Group, planners ruled that the 1750-ish Hurst frame should be enclosed in glass panels, which are currently being installed. About six old mill stones, some 18th Century, have been found and are now displayed in the patio area at the back of the mill.

Overall, considerable effort is being made to try and best preserve into a house conversion the main features of the mill.

To find out more about Bradbourne Mill see
Bradbourne & Lea Hall History and
Parwich & District Local History Society Newsletter 21