Saving Lode Mill
A major building project is underway to save Anglesey Abbey's Lode
Mill, which is threatened by water damage, as water seeps into
areas of the mill that should be dry. The work, which will last six
weeks, means the Lode will be dammed, the water in the mill drained
and silt removed before engineers and builders can properly assess the
extent of the damage on the historic mill.
Lode Mill was built during the 1700's to mill grain for the local area and has stood the test of time very well, until staff began to notice water seeping into the dry-well, which houses the massive pitwheel. Under normal circumstances this area should remain bone dry.
When a large fish appeared in the pit well, the scale of the problem began to dawn.
Andrew Durham is the Mill Steward at Anglesey Abbey "The Mill is over 260 years old and is an important piece of our industrial heritage. But it became clear that water is getting in where it shouldn't and these leaks threaten the milling machinery - some of which has been shifted out of position by the flooded foundations. We began to realise the scale of the problems when I unblocked a drain and water came rushing in faster than we could drain it out!"
"Over time, water from the lode has scoured away some of the mortar in the foundation walls and dislodged some of the bricks, making holes in the walls separating the waterwheel and pitwheel, so water is just pouring through at the moment. There"s also a sluice gate that helps control water levels which is worn out, so the water's not being controlled in the right way."
"It's a big project, but once it"s done it will mean we can have the mill running more for people to come and experience us milling Anglesey"s own flour. " Quy Water has been temporarily dammed and work has now begun to clear out the remaining silt. There is no effect on the flow of Quy Water to the Lode as the Mill"s by-pass channel is unaffected.
It's a big, dirty job and must be done with care to prevent further damage to the fragile brickwork.
Colin Thompson is the project manager from T Butler and Sons, the local building company tasked with making the mill dry again. "The first priority is to stop the water getting in where it shouldn"t and then after that we'll be able to get underneath the mill and see what"s really going on. We"re working very closely with the building team from the National Trust and a specialist mill restoration firm, Dorothea Restoration, to make sure everything"s being done to the highest standards and in the best interest of this lovely old building. You never know quite what you"re going to find when you"re getting into places that have been completely out of view for hundreds of years, so there might be some surprises yet!"
It is hoped the work will be done by March 2010, when the mill will grind into life once more. In the meantime, the mill is closed for visitors but people walking past will be able to see a hive of activity as the work on Lode Mill continues.
MEDIA INVITATION
A chance to see the work in progress, the inner workings of the mill, and to talk to Colin and Andrew about the project.
Tuesday 9 Feb, 11am-1pm, Lode Mill Anglesey Abbey.
For more information, and to confirm attendance, please contact Rachel Stock, Interpretation and Marketing Officer, Anglesey Abbey, on 01223 810090 or rachel.stock@nationaltrust.org.uk