Ryton Mill
Description of this historic site
The site of Ryton Mill, a watermill that dates back to the Medieval period. It was later used as a fulling mill, a mill for beating and cleaning cloth. It was situated 500m south west of Old Hare Covert.
Can you help?
Notes about this historic site
1 There was a fulling mill at Ryton-on-Dunsmore in 1621.
2 There was a mill at Ryton in 1086. It seems likely that the mill was used for fulling in the 17th century. On Beighton’s map (1725) it is marked as ‘Gig Mill’. Details of ownership exist for the 19th century. One small outbuilding is all that remains. The major part of the building was destroyed by fire in 1963 having been severely damaged by vandals before this. The short headrace to the wheel has since been filled in but the main river sluice gates still stand close to the site.
- For the sources of these notes, see the
- Timetrail record
- produced by the Historic Environment Record.
Comments
This mill came into my family at one point through marriage. Although they didn’t actually personally run the mill, I have found Census Returns mentioning it as part of their lands (Eburne family who farmed Bridge Farm for several generations).
I have found that Francis Eburne when he stood trial for the murder of his son was a miller from Ryton on Dunsmore
This mill is mentioned in the 17th century Churchwarden’s accounts as the ‘walke’ mill (paying 2d and 3d in 1619 and 1621: DR11/10 pp. 35 & 39). This is because originally cloth being fulled was tramped by foot in a tub. Early mechanisation of fulling mills actually used wooden ‘feet’ attached to a drive belt! Then rather more practical hammers were used.
Add a comment about this page