Millbrook Watermill

Last crawled date: 2 years, 10 months ago

The present building at Insworke Mill dates back to 1518 although the date stone on the building shows 1589, it was said to be rebuilt in 1801. The mill is reputed to have been last used to grind corn in 1914. It was worked by the tidal water being trapped in the 25 acre millpond at high tide, leaving the water level in the pond at 12 to 15 feet depending on the tide. The millpond has since been land filled and covers the area of the football club. The great wheels of the mill turned as the tide went out and the sluice gates were opened. The mill was commonly known as a grist mill. It could operate for a period of approx 8 hours in any 24 hour period. With a good head of water the water wheels used to rotate at 10 rpm and through the appropriate gearing the millstones rotated at approx 120 rpm. The building is three storeys high.