Monument record 1724/1 - Bradley Mill

<1> Bott O J P, 1983, Cornmill sites in Cheshire 1066-1850 Part 2, p.61 (Article in Journal). SCH6105.

Cornmills recorded 1336-1386: Bradley Mill, the site of a watermill beside the Malpas - Whitchurch road. The location is indicated by field 66, Millfield on the tithe map (see 3).

<2> Ormerod, G., 1882, The History of the County Palatine and City of Chester, vol. II p.644 (Book). SCH1389.

A watermill in Bradley was sold by John de Sutton to Davis de Wyglond in 1342-3.

<3> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 60/1 /2 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The tithe award (1840) records two fields in this area plot 66 as Mill field and the adjacent plot 67, Pool field.

<4> Cheshire Historic Environment Record, Various, Historic Environment Record Site Visit Record, ECH5396 (Unpublished Document). SCH5294.

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.

<5> Environment Agency, 2003-2020, Environment Agency LiDAR Surveys, SJ44, SJ54 DSM 1m (Digital Archive). SCH7819.

Confirms the features located in (4). A sub-rectangular platform is visible adjacent to the mill dam and tail race. Possibly the site of the mill building.