Monument record 179/12 - Nantwich Mill

<1> Bott O J P, 1983, Cornmill sites in Cheshire 1066-1850 Part 2, p.62 (Article in Journal). SCH6105.

There is a reference to “Molendia de Wico Malbank” dating from 1363. Nantwich Mill was on the River Weaver at the west end of Mill Street. For a period during the nineteenth century it was converted to a cotton mill (known after its proprietor as Bott’s Mill) before reverting to its original use as a corn mill. Having suffered fire damage it was demolished in the 1970’s.

<2> Hall J, 1883, A History of the Town and Parish of Nantwich or Wich-Malbank in the County Palatine of Chester, p.267-269 (Book). SCH80.

The earliest documentary reference to Nantwich Mill occurs in one of the undated Sneyd Charters, which are believed to date from 1228. About 1789 the corn mill was converted in to a factory for cotton spinning. The mill was considerably enlarged, and steam machinery added, in 1797 by Mr Bott, after whose name the mill became known. The mill was predominantly staffed by children procured from workhouses and foundling hospitals and ran night and day under two shifts. After 1834, the mill was raised in height and new machinery added. From 1846-8 the cotton mill was idle and it eventually closed in June 1874 and subsequently converted back to a corn mill. In 1883 part of the premises was being used as a foundry to make agricultural implements and the upper stories of the wings as a clothing factory.

<3> Norris J.H., 1968, The Water-Powered Corn Mills of Cheshire, p.67 (Article in Journal). SCH6001.

A large four storey brick mill which, with the adjoining fustian mill, made a very interesting industrial complex. The corn mill was also steam driven. The wheel ceased to function c.1918 and was replaced by a turbine until 1944.

<4> Ashmore, O, 1982, The Industrial Archaeology of North West England, p.50 (Book). SCH3181.

Site of four storey cotton mill. Bridge over mill race at west end of Mill Street: sluice with rack and pinion paddle gear, traces of mill foundations. Near-by is a single arch sandstone bridge with balustrade over the River weaver.

<5> Cheshire County Council, 2002, Cheshire Historic Towns Survey: Crewe & Nantwich Borough Part 1: Archaeological Assessments, p.74 (Report). SCH6691.

It is likely that the medieval mill will be on or near the site of the post medieval corn mill. Lake suggests that the cutting of the mill leat and the creation of an island upon which the mill stood can be ascribed to the sixteenth century (see 6).

<6> Lake, J, 1983, The Great Fire of Nantwich, p.11-12, 137 (Book). SCH8056.

“le mylne eye”, an island created in the sixteenth century by the cutting of a mill race across the meander in the Weaver. This may have been cut by 1538 (see reference to Milne load reproduced in (2) p.31). The “mylne eye” is first mentioned in a document of 1572.

<7> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 285/2 c.1846 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

This map clearly depicts the area of the mill and its associated buildings. The mill building is predominantly located on the mill dam, with the long linear mill pond extending to the south. C.160m to the south is a weir which overflows into a sinuous channel. This is presumably the original course of the River Weaver utilised as an overflow leat.

<8> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ6452, 1876-1877 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

All the buildings are clearly depicted. Nantwich Mill (labelled corn) occupies the mill dam and the area to the west. A further L shaped building is labelled as a Foundry (iron).