Old Mill, Perth facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Old Mill |
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Old Mill buildings
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| Origin | |
| Mill name | Old Mill, Shenton's Mill |
| Mill location | Perth, Western Australia |
| Coordinates | Lua error in Module:Coordinates at line 614: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
| Operator(s) | National Trust of Australia |
| Year built | 1835 |
| Information | |
| Purpose | Corn mill |
| Type | Tower mill |
| Storeys | Three storeys |
| No. of sails | Four sails |
| Type of sails | Common sails |
| Other information | |
| Type | State Registered Place |
| Designated | 2 July 1993 |
| Reference no. | 2394 |
The Old Mill, also known as Shenton's Mill, is a historic tower mill found in South Perth, Western Australia. It has been carefully restored to look just like it did in the 1830s. Today, the Old Mill is one of Perth's most famous old buildings and a popular place for visitors to see.
History of the Old Mill
The Old Mill was built a long time ago, starting in 1835. The idea for the windmill came from a person named William Kernot Shenton. The first stone was placed by Governor James Stirling. This mill was very important because it was the first industry in the colony to use wind power.
Building and Early Use
Two builders, Paul and James Lockyer, constructed the mill. William Steele was the person who operated it. At its busiest, the mill could produce about 680 kilograms (1,500 pounds) of flour every day. This was a lot of flour for the early settlement! The large cogwheels inside the mill, which weighed four tons, were made from a special local tree called tuart (Eucalyptus gomphocephala).
However, the mill stopped working in 1859. It was not making enough money, and its location was not ideal anymore.
Changes Over Time
The area where the mill stood was one of the first places where people built houses and started farming. After the mill closed, the site was used for other things. In 1880, an engineer known as "Satan" Browne tried to turn the place into a dance hall and a hotel called Alta Gardens. His changes stayed, but the business did not do well. After that, the site was even used as a chicken run and a house. Today, the address of the Old Mill is on Mill Point Road in South Perth.
Saving the Mill
In 1957, there were plans to build a large bridge called the Narrows Bridge. The original path for the bridge would have gone right through the Old Mill site. But many public officials worked hard to save the mill. Because of their efforts, the bridge's route was changed to protect this important historical spot. After that, a folk museum was created on the grounds of the mill.
The City of South Perth later took over the site. They repaired and improved the buildings. In 1992, the Old Mill was added to the register of the National Trust. This means the buildings and the site are officially recognized for their special architecture and history. Keeping them safe, both for their own sake and as a museum, is very important.
