Source/Archive record SCH4001 - Warburton Mill, Heatley, Cheshire: An Archaeological Building Survey of the Mill Complex, Final Report

The University of Manchester Archaeological Unit (UMAU) were commissioned by Roland Bardsley (Builders) Ltd to undertake an archaeological building survey of Warburton Mill, Bent Lane, Lymm, Warrington, Cheshire (centred SJ 7028 8865; CSMR 2596). This report represents the results of two surveys undertaken in June and July 1998. The standing remains at Warburton Mill cover the period from the late 18th - early 19th century to the mid-20th century, spanning the mechanisation of flour milling that took place in the late 19th century, represented by the transition to steel rollers and the introduction of the more advance water turbine technology. The earliest and largest part of the complex to survive is the four storey brick milling building, the heart of the site. A building is present on this site on all the maps from the estate survey of c 1757 onwards. However, the design of the mill building (possibly built in 1825), and the use of cast iron columns as supports is reminiscent of textile mill building from the late 18th - early 19th century. The use of sandstone foundations may indicate that this block was rebuilt on an earlier structure. The present complex also includes a 19th-century mill house and a second small building of probable late 18thlearly 19th-century date; the fabric of both of those structures shows evidence of more than one phase of build. The rest of the buildings (hoist, loading bays, storage facilities and a grain silo) date from the mid-20th century (probably the years 1935 to 1950). The mill building complex survives intact, with all the major elements of the milling process present except for a drying kiln. The power system survives in the main mill building and is in a remarkably complete condition, comprising not only a Francis Water Turbine with its supporting National oil engine and belt drives, but also, externally, the weir and sluice system of the head-race.