Yafford Mill was established around the middle of the 18th century. It was a grist mill, grinding corn into animal feed
Yafford Mill is a former mill and mill house, established around the middle of the 18th century. It was a grist mill, grinding corn into animal feed for local farmers. It is thought to have started producing flour during the First World War, when water power was briefly supplemented by an oil engine. There is no record of how long flour production lasted and it may have reverted to animal feed after the war. It had certainly been grinding meal for many years prior to ceasing production around 1970. It eventually became the centre of a tourist attraction, occasionally turning as a museum feature. Thereafter it became an example of how quickly a mill can deteriorate once it stops operating, having run continuously for over 200 years. In recent times the external units had reached the point where they were beyond basic repair. The owner contracted an experienced mill engineer, Malcolm Cooper, to carry out a fundamental rebuild and repair project, as necessary to bring the mill back into flour production. A new overshot water wheel had to be built (above), with the design as near as possible to the original. The launder, which feeds water onto the wheel, had also rotted and was renewed. The internal mechanics were in reasonable condition but required a general overhaul. A major bearing was re-engineered and the pit wheel had to be reset. Mill house is of red brick with one course of headers to 2 of stretchers; the tiled roof with brick chimneystack. There are 2 storeys 2 windows. Casements and 19th century lean-to porch. The Mill building is of ironstone rubble with brick dressings but the gable end is of brick with some Flemish and some English bond. The first floor has a blocked opening. The Overshot wheel is a 20th century replacement. Attached to the right hand side is a probably 17th century section of stone wall, the remains of an earlier mill. The left hand side has C19 projecting section of brick and ironstone rubble with slate roof.
Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Yafford Mill, Brighstone, Isle of Wight, England, UK
Photo credit: © Philip Chapman / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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