It's great that the National Trust has restored the fabric and the machinery of this unique tandem-wheel water mill. The restoration was carried out by specialised craftsmen using traditional materials, and to the highest standards. See this blog http://vinchad.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/nether-alderley-mill.html for the story of the restoration.
Newly-restored Nether Alderley Mill
This afternoon I led my first tours of the mill for visitors. We're open Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday 13:00 to 16:30.
It's a tardis! Far bigger inside than it
looks from the outside. When the miller opens the sluice to allow water through
from the mill pond behind the mill the splat, splat, splat of the inrushing
flow onto the elm wood water wheel buckets brings the sleeping mill to life. As
the wheels start to rotate, the floors shake underfoot. Giant wood and iron
gears take power from the water wheels to drive the mill stones. One's nose
senses the distinctive tang of fresh-milled grain in the air, confirmed by a
milliard flour motes highlighted in the shafts of sunlight streaming through the
roof vents. It is a magical place, a microcosm of local history, and we are so
lucky to have it on our doorstep.
Come and see us soon!
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