Cheddleton Flint Mill facts for kids
Cheddleton Flint Mill is a special kind of water mill located in the village of Cheddleton, in Staffordshire, England. A water mill uses the power of flowing water to turn machinery. This mill gets its water from the nearby river Churnet. People think this spot has been used for milling for a very long time, even since the Middle Ages!
Most of the buildings you see today were built during the Industrial Revolution. This was a time when many new factories and machines were created. The mill was mainly used to grind flint. Flint is a very hard rock. When ground into a fine powder, it was an important ingredient for making pottery, like plates and cups.
There are actually two mills at the site. One was built in the late 1700s just for grinding flint. The other used to grind corn, but it was changed to also grind flint. The whole place includes a house where the miller lived, two special ovens called flint kilns, a drying kiln, and other small buildings. It's also right next to the Caldon Canal, which was used to transport goods.
Keeping the Mill Special
Protecting a Historic Site
Cheddleton Flint Mill is a very important historical place. In 1986, the buildings were given a special protection status called "Grade II* listed." This means they are very important and need to be preserved.
Who Looks After It?
Today, the mill is cared for by a group called the Cheddleton Flint Mill Industrial Heritage Trust. This group is a charity, which means they work to help the public and don't make a profit. They make sure the mill stays in good condition and teach people about its history.
More to Explore
- Listed buildings in Cheddleton
- Moddershall
- Etruria Industrial Museum
