The current Mill, which dates from the 18th century, can be seen on the east bank of the River Cole at the southern end of Coleshill village.
Although it is approximately 250 years old, there is evidence to suggest that a water mill was used here at least as far back as the 11th century - there is mention of a mill in the Doomsday Survey.
It is a well-preserved example of a small water-powered corn mill with an adjoining mill house. The walls are made of local rubble stone and the roof is clad with split stone slates. Within the Mill itself, surviving machinery and fittings include a waterwheel, shaft, stones and grain bins.
All the farm estate tenants were obliged to use the Mill and they were charged a percentage of their ground corn.
The Mill finally ceased operating in the 1920s, though it was converted to pump water up to the main house instead. Sadly it was last used in an attempt to put out the fire that destroyed Coleshill House in 1953. Coleshill Mill has now been restored to full working order. Visitors can see the mill in operation every second Sunday of the month from May to October.
|