Building record MDR661 - Gnat Hole woollen mill, Derbyshire Level, Charlestown, Charlesworth

This mill was built in the 1790s and was closed in 1890. The main building has three storeys, and was converted into flats and a farmhouse c. 1947. The mill wheel is reputedly beneath the garage floor. Parts of the dams survive. It is reported to be on the site of a corn mill dating to c. 1425. (1) Owned by a family called Ford for many generations, but trading under the name of Robinson. Had connections in the early 19th century with the Bray family of Yorkshire. This is the uppermost of a series of mills on the Bray Clough and it has a series of dams. The offices have been converted into a farmhouse and the surviving part of the mill into flats (approximately 1947). (3) This is a three-storey small gritstone woollen mill. The main building stands by the brook facing downstream and is said to have had a water wheel in the centre. It is now divided into flats [1984]. The building has a grey slate roof, but the general style if that of about 1820-40. Behind and at right angles to this building is an older three-storey building with a grey slate roof, mullioned lights and in the general character of c. 1790. It has now been converted into private houses [1984]. The mill was built as a woollen mill. For much of the 19th century it was in the possession of the Robinson family. (4) The mill was well known for producing a high quality broadcloth, closing in the late 19th century. Higher up the valley is a mill pond, with stone wall, provinding water for the mill wheel. (5)