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New Hall Mill | ||
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New
Hall Mill, a Grade 2 listed building, is one of only two water mills
still surviving in the Birmingham area. The Mill and its meadow field are privately owned and managed by the New Hall Water Mill Preservation Trust. Although surrounded by but not part of the New Hall
Valley Country Park, the Mill and grounds are only open to the general
public on specific Open Days, or by prior arrangement. |
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present structure dates from the 18th century, although some parts are
much older. In 1709 it was owned by George Sacheverell of New Hall and operated by the Twamley family until the 1830s. Originally the mill had two internal water-wheels driving four pairs of stones but after rebuilding in the 1870s/1880s, the power required to drive the present two pairs of millstones is derived from a single external overshot waterwheel. Most other items of the milling machinery are now powered by a Ruston Hornsby diesel engine that was installed in 1949. The use of water power for flour production was abandoned in 1960 with the diesel engine being used intermittently to power a hammer-mill to produce animal feed. The Friends of New Hall Mill maintain the Mill in a working condition and operate it during the regular Open Days. Visitors are able to explore the mill at their own pace to watch the wheat being milled into flour using water power and mill stones in the traditional manner. They can explore the Cartshed and it's contents, visit 'Auntie Wainwrights' to hunt for a bargain or visit the Miller's Garden. Take a walk around the Tree Trail passing the Hazel Coppice and the Jubilee Hedge or visit the Mill Meadow with the Wild Flowers. Visit the Tea Room for a selection of cakes and hot and cold drinks; seating is available outside at picnic tables or inside in poorer weather. Toilets, including one suitable for the 'disabled', are located in the same building. Ice-creams are available from the Exhibition and Sales Room. |
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