Dating from at least the mid-18th century, the Lower Silk Mill was likely used used to manufacture woollen cloth before being converted to silk clothmaking in the 19th century and then to apple juice manufacture in the late 19th/early 20th centuries.
The main mill building was ‘L’ shaped and had a mill floor at ground level and two further stories of which only one remains. The mill wheel was likely located at the southern end of the main building. There are several blocked openings but apart from window and door surrounds, other features have been lost.
The mill master’s house stands to the east of the main building and was originally connected to it via an arch, now blocked. All of its internal features have been lost and a number of external windows on the south wall have been blocked.
Hi Ian – isn’t this where the Anglo Cider Mills made cider. It was owned by Freddie Bennett who moved cider production there from the Anglo when that was requisitioned by the military at the beginning of the Second . World War – I have seen reference to Anglo apple juice but assumed it was part of the cider operation
Hi Alan, it made cider, perry and juice we believe. We’ll be revisiting the site with a people focus later on.
Yes it was in Darshill from about 1940 to the 1950s – not the 1890’s as your article suggested . I have some photos of the week nteriot and copies of their advertisments
Thanks
Thanks Alan. So far, we’ve looked at the building but not at the occupants, so thanks for this.