Blackpool Mill facts for kids
Blackpool Mill is an old flour mill from the 1800s. It's located in a beautiful area called Martletwy in the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park in Wales. You can find it on the south side of the Eastern River Cleddau, near Blackpool Bridge.
This mill was built in 1813 where an old ironworks used to be. It's a special kind of listed building called Grade-II*. This means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected. The mill still has its original machinery inside, but it doesn't make flour anymore. The Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) recognizes Blackpool Mill as an important historic place.
The mill first used a large water wheel to power its machinery. This wheel was about 4.5 meters (15 feet) across and 3.5 meters (11 feet) wide! Around 1900, a turbine replaced the water wheel. This new turbine helped to power four sets of grinding stones.
Blackpool Mill continued to operate until 1958. Later, it was updated to use electricity for power. In 1968, the mill was renovated and opened to visitors. Today, the mill is not open to the public. However, it's a key spot on the popular "Narberth to Blackpool Mill Walk."
Other interesting parts of the site are also listed by Coflein. These include Blackpool Bridge, an old furnace, the mill leat (a channel that carried water to the mill), and the wharf (a loading area by the water).
Future Plans for Blackpool Mill
What is Bluestone?
Bluestone is a holiday resort located nearby. In 2016, Bluestone announced exciting plans for Blackpool Mill. They wanted to spend £2.5 million to restore the mill. Their idea was to add a miniature railway to make it a fun tourist attraction.
Changes to the Plans
However, the National Park had some concerns about these plans. Because of this, Bluestone decided to delay their project. Eventually, the original plans were not approved. Bluestone was then invited to submit new ideas.
In 2020, Bluestone received permission for a new project. They were allowed to turn the mill into a large restaurant. This restaurant would be able to seat 160 people.
