Bishops Lydeard Mill

Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving this excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill. The watermill has been renovated over the past few years and was officially opened by the town Mayor on Saturday 10th May 2003.

Work has been done to restore the mill so that it is a working mill. Although we now know that there was a second wheel (used for fulling) on the site there are no plans to replace that. Among the many traditional trades and crafts displayed are the wheelwright's shop, transported from Devon and preserved exactly as it was left on the day the owner shut up shop, and the equally authentic Blacksmith's shop. These are not the only trades that are featured, so why not make a visit to check out what else is on view?

During 2008 we had approximately 4,00 visitors & we raised approximately £12,000.00, bringing our donations to charities over the years to £47,000. The cheques for 2008 will be presented in the New Year to the different charities.

There is much to see and do in the village of Bishops Lydeard. Allow at least half a day so you can relax in our Dusty Miller's tea room, with a range of home made cakes, soft drinks, ice creams and confectionery, before visiting other attractions such as the West Somerset Railway.

The close proximity to the West Somerset railway makes this Domesday site, fully-restored mill a perfect place to visit when in the locality.

Not only can you see a working water wheel, beautiful gardens, a lovely Tea Room but there are also numerous features which depict the rural life of the village from the turn of the century. Discover what a miller's kitchen may have looked like in the Victorian era, or visit the Ironmonger's shop, the blacksmith, the saddler (in his front room!) and the cooper but then look for the thatcher, the WW2 street scene complete with sand bags and shop front....so much to see!

Bishops Lydeard Mill

The children can use the querns for themselves and have a 'hands on' experience with the touch screens or just check out the Interpretation centre...wow. So much to see & do!
The building is Grade 2 listed but they have made access possible for disabled to the stone floor and the rest can be seen on a touch screen and the toilets, water wheel and Tea Room are all accessible...so why not make an effort to visit. The prices are very reasonable.

Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving an excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill.

The watermill has been renovated over the past few years and was officially opened in 2003. The mill is a work is in progress and is constandy being updated.

Work has been done to restore the mill so that it is a working mill. Although we now know that there was a second wheel (used for fulling) on the site there are no plans to replace that

Among the many traditional trades and crafts displayed are the wheelwright's shop, transported from Devon and preserved exacdy as it was left on the day the owner shut up shop, and the equally authentic Blacksmith's shop.

During 2004 there were 2,233 visitors to the mill. This raised £4,600 which was shared equally between five charities.

The waterwheel weighs over two tonnes yet can be turned from inside the mill using just two fingers. The miller's stream originates in the Brendon Hills and is the same stream that provided the water when the wheel last turned 50 years ago.

Amongst the tradional trades and crafts displayed are the wheelwright's shop, the cooper's shop, the saddler's shop, the blacksmith's shop and the Victorian kitchen, as well as a matching display. The wheel-wright's shop has been transported from Devon and preserved exacdy as it was left the day the owner shut up shop for the last time.

Bishops Lydeard Mill has been painstakingly and precisely restored by the Back Family over many years. The Mill and the attached Mill House have been cited as places of historical interest and given a Grade 2 conservation listing.
 

www.bishopslydeardmill.co.uk

Contributed by: John Evans