Millwrighting is the traditional craft skill of building, repairing and maintaining a mill. It is a highly specialized skill that incorporates carpentry, engineering and metalwork. Physical evidence of millwrighting in Britain dates back to the Roman era, however it did not receive its name until around the 15th century. Over time, what was a thriving skill has now become endangered. As of 2019, millwrighting features on the Heritage Crafts Association Red List of Endangered Skills.
The Mills Archive is a permanent repository for the records of traditional and contemporary mills and milling, as well as similar structures dependent on traditional power sources. It makes that material freely available for public inspection and use in research and learning.
We would like to thank the The Swire Charitable Trust for providing funding for an intern to examine and promote our millwrighting records. The Swire Charitable Trust is an independent UK grant making trust. Since 1975 they have been supporting charities that share their commitment to delivering positive and lasting change to UK society. They fund charities that are working hard to protect and cultivate the skills and knowledge underpinning the UK’s heritage sector.
We would also like to thank our intern Hayden Francis-Legg who has been working on the millwrighting project. Without his work, this exhibition would not have been possible.
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