After nearly 12 months of inactivity, the waterwheel at Dunkirk Mill Museum is turning again. Last summer’s drought brought it to a standstill when there was not enough water in the leat to run it.
This must have been a problem in the past for the clothiers when they had no water power to run the fulling stocks to thicken and felt their broadcloth. Some created large mill ponds to help alleviate the problem, and when steam engines came along they were considered a worthwhile investment.
The wheel at Dunkirk Mill was installed in 1855 by Mr Ferrabee, of the Phoenix Iron works, Thrupp. Following the completion of recent repairs to the sluice and pump, the Victorian engineering is once again performing effortlessly.
“It’s an absolute joy to see it restored and turning again,” said Jane Ford, from the Stroudwater Textile Trust.
“Our visitors are amazed at the power as the buckets fill with water and the wheel begins to turn, and then to see it run our historic machines is quite special.
“We are grateful to Nailsworth Town Council for their support and look forward to their forthcoming Mill Trail highlighting the importance of the heritage in this area, both to locals and the growing number of visitors.”
Dunkirk Mill Museum, entirely run by volunteers, is open two weekends a month; full details can be found on the website: www.stroudtextiletrust.org.uk.
“Come now while there is still plenty of water,” said Jane, “and the water-cooled atmosphere of the mill has been a real treat in the recent heatwave.”
