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CLICK PICTURE TO ENLARGE
Around 1398 the original mill was built on this site to grind flour for
the castle and local inhabitants. |
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The energy source for the mill was the River Avon. A "leat" or
channel diverts the water towards the sluice gate which can be
lowered or raised to control the flow of the water. The power of
the water turns the large waterwheel you see on the left. This
type of waterwheel at the castle is called a 'low breast shot
wheel' because the water is allowed to shoot onto the blades of
the waterwheel causing it to turn.
Until 1840 it was entirely made from local wood. In 1840 the
wooden frame was replaced by a metal one. Then in the early
1900s almost all the wood was replaced by metal parts. |
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The ability to pump water from the river up to the castle was
mechanised in 1644. A water wheel, powered by the river, was
used to pump water up to the castle. It was powerful enough to
supply fresh water for the entire garrison of the castle. Eels
were trapped and stored as stored as the water passed by. This
provided a fall-back source of food for the garrison if there
was a siege. The pump on the left was installed in 1900 and
was powered by electricity. Click the picture to enlarge it. |
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The electricity for the castle and the the above pump was also
generated initially from river power. Previously the only source
of light for the castle was from expensive gas (see the gas
engine on the left).
River powered electricity was installed around 1900 and the
castle was carefully wired to use electric lights, a total of
475 to be precise. Because the flow of the river could never be
guaranteed, the gas engine was kept as a back up supply for
several years. |
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In 1940 mains supply of electricity was installed in the castle but the river
powered generators remained as an alternative supply up to 1954.We have shown
just a few of the exhibits in the Mill and Engine House, there are lots more.
The total cost of the restoration has been well over 2 million pounds and it has
been well worth the effort. Make sure you don't miss this exhibit at the castle,
and wonder about all the flour that has been milled here over the centuries.
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