Location : Beetham
Map - Ordnance Survey - SD 496799
Mill Lane, Beetham, Milnthorpe, LA7 7PQ.
Tel 01539 564271
Email : info@heronmill.org
Photo by Matthew Emmott
Heron Corn Mill is on the banks of the River Bela, in South Cumbria close to the Lancashire border, and is one of the few working mills left in Cumbria. Evidence shows that a mill existed on the site prior to 1096. In 1220 the Lord of the Manor gave the monks of St. Marie's York the right to grind their grain at his mill.
The mill passed through many hands until in 1927 it came to W & J Pye, millers of Lancaster. In 1955, they closed the mill, and for the next two decades the mill was unused. In 1973, Henry Cooke Ltd leased the mill to the newly formed Beetham Trust to rescue the mill. In 1975 Princess Alexandra opened the refurbished mill, which shows to the public the mechanics of a water driven corn mill.
A grade ll listed eighteenth century working watermill, the mill is currently undergoing restoration work. It will be re-launched to the public on Easter Saturday, April 11th 2009, with a special one-day arts festival 'WATCHING TV BY CANDLE LIGHT'. The festival will be free admission, and the theme is renewable energy, as during 2009, the site will be installing a hydropower turbine in the weir at the river bela, to generate electricity.
From 11th april 2009, the mill will be open and guided tours available, please contact us for more details. It will be closed Mondays but open Bank Holiday Mondays.
The newly re-developed barn at Heron Corn Mill is now used as a educational and arts resource, and a building for community and corporate hire. the space can be hired for talks, seminars, parties, team building events and many other activities. Please get in touch for more details and a hire card.
The barn is open all year round, and has under floor heating and a wood pellet stove. a wide range of equipment is also available for hire upon request. Booking for the barn can be made through booking@heronmill.org .
Related Links :
Go to Menu :