This clay grinding machine boasted 6 grinding pans at one time, so probably the biggest in Cornwall!
The different pans allowed the company to create different grade clay products ‘to order’ and thus operate a more productive site.
The mill had its own adjacent quarry, or rather this mill was built to serve the adjacent quarry, and an elaborate leat system was required to power the driving wheel. Also, a network of rails permitted the transport of raw materials from quarry to processing plant and it doesn’t take long poking around in the undergrowth to find the evidence!
It is a scheduled ancient monument and grade II listed. It retains much of its infrastructure, but lost its rare brick arch that held the launder.
There were originally at least 7 water-powered clay-stone grinding mills similar to this one in the Tregargus Valley, adopted by familiar names in the pottery industry, such as Wedgewood and Spode. People demanded porcelain china, so the china stone industry here prospered.
This clay grinding machine boasted 6 grinding pans at one time, so probably the biggest in Cornwall!
The different pans allowed the company to create different grade clay products ‘to order’ and thus operate a more productive site.
The mill had its own adjacent quarry, or rather this mill was built to serve the adjacent quarry, and an elaborate leat system was required to power the driving wheel. Also, a network of rails permitted the transport of raw materials from quarry to processing plant and it doesn’t take long poking around in the undergrowth to find the evidence!
It is a scheduled ancient monument and grade II listed. It retains much of its infrastructure, but lost its rare brick arch that held the launder.
There were originally at least 7 water-powered clay-stone grinding mills similar to this one in the Tregargus Valley, adopted by familiar names in the pottery industry, such as Wedgewood and Spode. People demanded porcelain china, so the china stone industry here prospered.
