Museums and Galleries

Heron Corn Mill

Mill Lane, Beetham, nr Milnthorpe, Cumbria LA7 7PQ

Tel: 01539 565027

website: www.heronmill.org

Heron Corn Mill on the banks of the River Bela in South Cumbria, close to the Lancashire border, is one of the few working mills in the area. There is documentary evidence to show that a mill existed on the site prior to 1096. In 1220 the Lord of the Manor gave the monks of St Marie's York, the right to grind their grain at this mill without multure (payment).

The mill passed through many hands till in 1927 it came into the hands of W & J Pye, millers of Lancaster. In 1955 they rationalised their business and closed the mill. For the next two decades the mill was unused and decaying. In 1973 Henry Cooke Ltd., leased the mill to the newly-formed Beetham Trust, to rescue the mill for the benefit of the public.

In 1975 the mill was opened by Princess Alexandra and has continued up till the present time to show the mechanics of a water driven corn mill to the public. It is a unique feature of South Lakeland's industrial heritage.

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