The area in front of the water wheel is known as the machinery area as the drive gear from the water wheel was here as well as the grindstones, bearing and elevator.
When work started this area was full of rubble upto the wheel spindle, this shows the excavation and discovery of the lower floor. The large base stones where the grindstones sat were put back together and straightened.
The grindstones were put by the river bank at an angle so water would flow off and so they can be seen from the footpath. Most mills used Peak stones (from the Peak District) which were cheaper, but our mill has French Burrs which are more expensive, they are from a quarry near Paris.
On 22/6/17 a new curved pit was discovered in the machinery area containing several finds. In 2017 a water feed pipe was installed, covered with soil and a retaining wall built to conceal it. The pipe is used for turning the water wheel with a pump, this allows the wheel to turn without affecting the river level.
On 18/4/19 a walkway was installed to protect the delicate uneven floor and for safety reasons.
