Howsham Mill facts for kids
Howsham Mill is an old watermill from the 1700s. It's located on the River Derwent in North Yorkshire, England. This special building is protected as a Grade II listed site.
Contents
History
A Mill with a View
Howsham Mill was built around 1755. A famous architect named John Carr from York probably designed it. It was built in a style called Gothic Revival. This means it looked like old medieval buildings.
The mill had two main jobs. First, it was a working grist mill. This means it used large millstones to grind grains into flour. Second, it was also an eyecatcher or a folly. This means it was built to look pretty and interesting in the landscape of nearby Howsham Hall.
The mill used a large waterwheel to get its power. This wheel turned a gear that spun the heavy millstones. These stones then crushed the grain into flour. The mill stopped grinding flour in 1947. By the 1960s, the building had fallen into disrepair.
Restoration
Bringing the Mill Back to Life
In 2004, some local people created the Renewable Heritage Trust. Their goal was to save and fix the old mill. They raised money, got help from volunteers, and received grants. In total, they gathered £450,000 for the project.
This money helped them install a new waterwheel. They also added a screw turbine that works like an Archimedean screw. These new parts help the mill make electricity. Selling this electricity helps pay for the mill's upkeep in the long run.
Phases of Restoration
The first part of the restoration finished in 2007. This included putting in the new waterwheel and the Archimedean screw. Workers also rebuilt the walls and roof of the granary building. This building is next to the main mill. It now has a kitchen and toilets. It also holds the equipment that controls the electricity generation.
In 2010, the mill was connected to the National Grid. This allowed them to sell the electricity they generated. The main part of the mill building was finished in 2013. It now serves as a center for environmental studies and community events. In 2018, a second, bigger screw was added. This helps the mill make even more hydro-electric power.
Restoration Village
A TV Appearance
In 2006, Howsham Mill was shown on a BBC TV show called Restoration Village. The show was presented by Griff Rhys Jones. Howsham Mill won the regional competition for North England. It then appeared in the live National Final on September 17, 2006.
Even though Howsham Mill did not win the overall competition, reaching the final was a big success. It helped them win a £50,000 grant for project planning.
