'Temple Sowerby - Acorn Bank Mill'

Temple Sowerby, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 1SP. Tel: 017683 61893
Six miles east of Penrith on the A66.
Email: racorn@smtp.ntrust.org.uk

Location : Temple Sowerby / Culgaith
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 616282

There has been a mill on this site for hundreds of years, through the current building dates from the first half of the 19th Century. The mill belonged to the Acorn Bank Estate also known as Temple Sowerby Manor, and the millar was a tenant. Restoration of the mill, which was derelict, began in the 1980's, and only in 1997 opened to the public. It may be seen working when volunteers are available. Restoration work is still continuing.

The millrace is a channel bringing water from the weir, a quarter of a mile above the mill. The water is taken from Crowdundle Beck to give a head of about 13 feet of water to drive the waterwheels. The kiln which is still to be renovated is where the grain (mainly oats) would be dried before milling. The mill has four pairs of millstones in line, two being driven by each waterwheel. There were once three 12 ft diameter waterwheels in line, though only one is currently working. The upper wheel is a pitchback, and the other two were both overshot. There is a barn and yard, where traditionally the miller would have kept pigs, fed on waste from the mill.

An information leaflet describing the Mill and how it works is available in the National Trust shop.

The mill is in the grounds of Acorn Bank estate, which contains Acorn Bank Gardens, renowned for having the North of England's largest collection of culinary and medicinal plants. There is a National Trust Shop, a tea shop and there are interesting plants for sale.

The mill is owned by the National Trust

See National Trust handbook entry.

Aerial photo by Simon Ledingham.