Monument record 1299/2/0 - Tatton Corn Mill (Post Medieval), Tatton Brook

Tatton mill, a water-powered corn mill, first mentioned pre 1290. Originally a corn mill of the Brieton and Massey family, it served the needs of Tatton Old Hall and the deserted settlement. The mill dam and pond were converted for use as a water supply for the estate by Lord Egerton c.1880. James Brindley did extensive work at the mill during the mid 18th century (1).

The mill was situated c.1 km N of the Old Hall & some of its stonework seems to be incorporated in the lower courses of a modern pumping station by the side of the mill pool. References to a fulling mill in the 13th & 14th centuries may refer to the same site (2).

Several small building to the west of the mill pond were noted in the 18th century. The building may be associated with mill buildings to the north and east, and stands at the north end of a long fence defining a large enclosed area on the map, but its function is uncertain. (5)

One of a possible two water channels emerge from the watermill and carry water c.100m north-eastwards to their confluence with Tatton Brook. It is not clear from 1960s OS mapping whether either of these channels survive. (11)

Faced on the downstream side with a substantial brick wall, 8m high, there is evidence in the form of an ashlar stone pit of a former water wheel. Today it is maintained as the supply to the present water wheel and pump house. Four sluices are present which control the flow to the pump house and overflow. The mill pool was last dredged in 1993 to de-silt, but a JCB was nearly lost in the considerable depth of deposit. (9)

Higham N.J, Cane T., 1997, The Tatton Park Project, Part 1: Prehistoric to Sub-Roman Settlement and Land Use. JCAS (Article in Journal). SCH4939.

<1> M Greystone., 1995, Personal Communication concerning Tatton Park to J Milln, 16.6.95. (Oral Communication). SCH4983.

<2> Various, Cheshire History, 11/59 Bott O J P 1983 (Journal/Periodical). SCH811.

<3> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 4/7-10 Williams S.R. 1976. The Old Hall and Deserted Village at Tatton Park near Knutsford (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<5> Hussey, John, 1974, Redrawing of 1733 Hussey Tatton Estate Map (Maps and Plans). SCH4969.

<6> Earl, John, 1787, A Map of Tatton Park and Tatton Hall - The Seat of William Egerton Esquire. (Maps and Plans). SCH4967.

<7> National Trust, 2002, The National Trust. 2002. National Trust Sites & Monuments Record Full Report., 53633 (Report). SCH4960.

<8> Various, Cheshire History, 13/4-6 Williams S R 1984 (Journal/Periodical). SCH811.

<9> Parklands Consortium Ltd, 2002, Tatton Park Survey, Knutsford, Cheshire: Historic Landscape Appraisal. Volume 1, 2.6.2.10. (Report). SCH4977.

<10> County Historic Environment Record, 1973-1985, Cheshire Archaeological Bulletin, 4/7-10 Williams S.R. 1976. The Old Hall and Deserted Village at Tatton Park near Knutsford (Journal/Periodical). SCH565.

<11> Miln J, 2001, Tatton Park: Archaeological Survey (Mercia Region), p.79 (Report). SCH4955.