The Mill As A Machine

Machine & Mechanisms

Crabble Corn Mill is not just about millponds and waterwheels, millstones and grinding.

In our restoration we have painstakingly followed the SPAB philosophy of repair and renewal. I've posted some extracts here:

"Watermills (and windmills) are an irreplaceable part of our national heritage. They form a vital part of the traditional landscape and have an important place in the history of undustry, engineering and tehcnology, in the development of motive power and the processing of raw materials. In their structure and machinery they represent a quality and endurance of craftsmanship. Mills have a unique place in the tangible record of the past and their proper protection, repair and continued working is the sincere objective of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, Mills section.

"In all repair work it is essential that a mill is not regarded merely as a building but as a machine. While the building often forms an integral part of the machine, it is the MILL in it's entirety, building and machinery (inc. all watercourses and sluices), which is of importance. The true repair of any machine must be to working order, wherever feasible.

"Where mills are to work, it is vital to ensure that machinery is set up to run as smoothly, efficiently and safely as possible. Effective maintenance must follow repairs and a working mill will require regular checks and running adjustments, preferably by a miller, millwright or capable custodian."

When we say Crabble's mechanism it's the most complete example of it's type, that's just what we mean. This includes:

• the source of power
• water control and regulation
• transmission of power
• gears
• regulating machinery
• milling machinery
• hoists
• smutter
• hoppers
• millstones
• dust extraction system
• reels or bolters
• bran cleaner
• bran grader
• conveyors
• elevators
• weighing scales

... all working together as one integral whole. We do have Info sheets and Teachers resources available at the Mill which goes into all of this in greater detail.

Looking toward our preparation for the future, without any doubt many tradition crafts and trades are dying out. Millers once a common trade, are few and far between. Millwrights are even more scarce. Stonedressing was a trades-craft which took years of skills training to perfect. We need to be recruiting/training the next generation who will work, maintain and look after Crabble Mill.

If you know of anyone or any funding or training scheme which will help enable this, then please do get in touch and let me know.

As part of the unfinished business of the Crabble Mill Machine we need to create a dedicated Millwrights Workshop in order to carry out the on-site maintenance, as outlined above. We hope to be putting together a fund-raising scheme for this essential project shortly.