Bunbury Mill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bunbury Mill
Bunbury Mill from the southwest
Location	Bunbury
OS grid reference	SJ 573 581
Area	Cheshire
Built	1844
Governing body	Bunbury Watermill Trust
Listed Building – Grade II
Official name: Bunbury Mill
Designated	15 February 1982
Reference no.	1138624
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Bunbury Mill is a special watermill found near the village of Bunbury in Cheshire, England. A watermill uses the power of flowing water to turn large wheels. These wheels then grind grain into flour or do other work.

For a while, Bunbury Mill was in danger of being torn down. But thankfully, people worked hard to save it! Now, it has been fixed up and works again as a museum. This means visitors can see how a real watermill operates. The mill is also a "Grade II listed building". This is a special title given by Historic England. It means the building is important and needs to be protected because of its history and design.

The Mill's Story: A Look Back

People believe there has been a mill on this spot since as far back as 1290. That's over 700 years ago! The building you see today was built around 1844. This happened after an older mill on the site was destroyed by a fire.

What the Mill Produced

During the 1900s, Bunbury Mill mostly made food for animals. However, it still produced some flour for people too.

Challenges and Closure

In 1960, the mill was damaged by a big flood. Fixing it would cost a lot of money. Also, fewer people needed its products. Because of these reasons, the mill had to close down. The land was then bought by the local council. They planned to build a water treatment plant there.

Saving the Mill

By 1966, there were plans to knock down the mill building. But local people loved the mill and wanted to save it! They started a campaign to repair it. They hoped it could also create jobs for people. Their efforts worked! The mill was fixed up and was working again by 1977.

A Working Museum

The mill then became owned by the North West Water Authority. This group later became part of United Utilities. They decided to open the mill as a working museum. This allowed visitors to see the mill in action. In 1999, United Utilities added a classroom and toilets. This made it easier for schools and visitors to learn about the mill's history.

New Beginnings

In 2010, United Utilities closed the mill again. This was due to money reasons. But volunteers stepped in to look after the grounds and machinery. A new group called the Bunbury Watermill Trust was formed. In April 2012, the mill was given to this Trust. They reopened it for visitors once more! A group called "Friends of Bunbury Mill" also helps support the Trust's work.

What Bunbury Mill Looks Like

Bunbury Mill is built on a sloped piece of land. This means it looks different from various sides.

• From the road to the south, it looks like a single-story building.
• Behind it, the building has two stories.

The mill is made from red bricks and has a slate roof. On the south side, there is a special door high up. This "taking-in door" was used to lift sacks of grain into the mill. It has a small pointed roof above it, called a gable. Both the west and east sides of the mill also have gabled roofs. The west side has three windows. On the north side, you will find an entrance door and other openings. The mill pond is to the south of the building, and the mill stream flows to the east.

Visiting Bunbury Mill

Bunbury Mill welcomes visitors at certain times. You can check their website or signs for opening hours.

• You can take tours to see the mill working.
• The site includes the mill pond and a special wildlife pool.
• There are also 2 acres of grounds to explore.
• You can enjoy a picnic in the picnic area.
• The visitor centre has a café and public toilets.

See also

• Listed buildings in Bunbury, Cheshire
• List of museums in Cheshire