Survey Data
Reg No
30406120
Rating
Regional
Categories of Special Interest
Architectural, Technical
Original Use
Mill (water)
Date
1800 - 1820
Coordinates
177692, 238577
Date Recorded
28/10/2009
Date Updated
--/--/--
Description
Corn mill complex, built c.1810, now derelict. Comprising single, two and three-storey buildings gathered around multiple-bay four-storey mill building. Main building has pitched corrugated-iron roof and coursed squared limestone walls, square-headed vent openings to top floor with stone sills and lintels, oculus opening to centre of south-east elevation. Two-bay, three-storey extension of c.1950 to south-east having concrete block walls and lean-to corrugated-iron roof. Two-storey extension of c.1980 to south-west with concrete block walls, concrete tiled roof and open porch to front with lean-to corrugated-iron roof. Set back from road behind random rubble limestone wall with coping of rubble on edge and painted timber battened double-leaf entrance gates flanked by cut limestone gate piers with pyramidal caps.
Appraisal
Opened c.1810, this mill complex was originally owned by the Bell family and used as a corn mill. Water was diverted from the Ahascragh River and the mill stream used to power the mill wheel to grind corn. It ceased milling in the 1950s but played an important role in the agricultural and commercial life of the local area while it was active. Although extended unsympathetically in the 1950s and 1980s the central mill building retains its original character and is of substantial size and simple detailing. Together with the surrounding buildings they form an interesting group of industrial buildings. The mills played an important role in the development of Ahascragh and are significant in the industrial heritage of the area.