Site Event/Activity record ECH5396 - Field Visit to Bradley Hall Farm

Bradley Mill 1724/1: Earthworks related to the medieval mill are clearly visible in the floor of the incised valley containing Bradley Brook, to the immediate north-east of the B5395. A clear linear earthwork c.50-55m long and c.10m wide spans the valley from eastern scarp slope to within c.15m of the stream channel. It is probable that this is the dam to the mill pond. It is not clear if the dam once spanned the valley or if it ended on a rise between the stream and the valley floor. The slight rise runs parallel to the stream before beginning to curve to the east and may delineate the extent of the mill pond. The dam has a possible break or lower section on its south-eastern end. This corresponds with a water logged linear depression assumed to be the tail race. The break may indicate the location of the sluices, mill race and breast shot water wheel, possibly indicating that the mill building was located on or near the dam; as at Stretton. To the north-east of the break or lower dam section are two sub-square to irregular platforms or mounds located against the base of the scarp slope. The monument is in excellent condition and is presently managed as a species rich meadow. Water Pump 7034 A small subterranean structure houses a wheel powered water pump. Housed in an arched brick chamber is an iron or steel overshot water wheel. The wheel powered a pump which drew water from a spring to the farmhouse at Bradley hall, c.500m to the south-east and a rise of 15-20m. The water which drives the wheel derives from Bradley Brook. The pipe work which acts as the mill race ran to north-east and was visible in the bank of the brook where the course had changed, though the head was not located. The tail race was also not located. The land owner informed me that the wheel pump was still in use in the 1960s. The chamber is in good condition except for some debris in the base and the probable blocking of the outlet/tail race. The access point into the chamber is being significantly affected by scrub and tree growth.