Building record MDR8825 - Brough Corn Mill, Brough, Brough and Shatton

Brough Mill stands on the stream called Bradwell Brook near to the junction with the Noe. It was owned by the Strelley family from the late 12th century. (1) Brough Mill is a two-storey limestone mill building. The site has medieval origins, but the mill was rebuilt in 1924 after a fire. Threshing and drying (in a kiln) were performed, as well as grinding. There were formerly five sets of grindstones, powered by two waterwheels. Electricity was generated at the mill until 1950. The site is now used as a warehouse, but one waterwheel (12" diameter) still survives. (2-4) Brough Mill eventually became the property of the Eyre's of Hassop Estates in 1625, and has remained so until the present day [1999]. It is a three storey stone corn mill, with a flagged stone roof. It has also been used as a saw mill, which was powered by one of the two waterwheels. An inventory of the mill was produced by William Eyre in 1885, which included two waterwheels and two sets of machinery. Five sets of grinding stones were powered by the two waterwheels for grinding and to produce oatmeal. The mill also owned a circular saw, a wood turning lathe and a drying kiln. Following a fire that broke out in 1924, the interior was virtually gutted, but both of the waterwheels were saved. The mill was re-built in 1925, although the waterwheels and some of the original machinery were re-used. One of the wheels drove a 110 volt dynamo for lighting the mill, and the roof space was redeveloped for extra storage. When Ladybower Reservoir was built in the late 1940s, the water flow to the mill was severely restricted. In 1955 the east wheel and its associated machinery was demolished and its watercourse was blocked up. Electric motors were required to supplement the water power, and in 1960 the 'Limestone Pumping Scheme' reduced the water flow even further. In 1967 the milling business was closed down, but the buildings continued in use as an agricultural merchants. The majority of the machinery was scrapped, but the north wheel with its iron shaft and wooden starts and floats still remain intact [1999]. (7)