A Brief History

The commercial years of this dynamic, changing Merchant Mill was the 1800’s. It was at the forefront of developing technology, (not the quaint type of mill which had been around for centuries), the Mill building was the central ‘hub’ of activity, part of a larger complex of buildings which no longer exist, busy keeping pace with the rapid change in production techniques and delivering maximum output of flour milling to supply the growing needs of the London metropolis and sophisticated needs of a ‘civilised’ society.

An ambitious, entrepreneurial family of mill owners, the Mannerings, kept and maintained the Mill, to the best of their ability for a century, even well beyond it’s economic years. Whilst they developed and refitted the Mill to meet the changes in 19th century technology, they also loved it for seemingly inexplicable reasons, which is why Crabble Corn Mill exists to this day. Whilst basic repair was maintained for decades, they were unable to sustain what the Mill and the site required.

The Cleary Foundation bought the entire property, which then comprised green-field acres, and more buildings including drying kilns and granary. The land was sold off for housing development, the auxiliary mill buildings sold for house conversation, a superficial repair to the Mill was carried out (which did not include effective timber treatment) and Dover District Council signed a lease to what remained of the Mill.

The Mill fell into a greater state of disrepair, neglected by both Cleary Foundation and Dover District Council. It was re-categorised by English Heritage as Grade 2 Star Listed, and soon joined the Buildings-At-Risk Register.

I produced the Feasibility Study for the Mill to prevent, collapse, demolition or conversion into residential loft apartments. My colleagues and I argued “the case for Crabble Corn Mill” and this report demonstrated the best and most appropriate use of the Mill to ensure it’s survival, it’s change of use as a working mill museum, and future life was to establish this unique, historic listed building of ‘more than special national importance’ as “The Heritage Centre for Water Power”.

We opposed the Cleary Foundation and Dover District Council. Our proposal was also more viable even than the ideas of the National Trust. Eventually, the newly formed Crabble Corn Mill Trust and took ownership of the property, including it’s watercourses and environs.

I/we fundraised the value of £1.5m @ 1980’s prices sufficient to enable the rescue of the property, to repair, restore and refurbish the Mill.

The Trust has been successful in gaining 8 awards including The R.I.B.A. (above), and the Association of Industrial Archaeology Award.