Description and History of Site:-
Fine architectural mill of 3 bays and 3 storeys square facades ashlar quoins lintels and reveals lean-to wheel house. Hewley coat of arms in central blind 'window' on top floor. Derelict corn mill watermill on site of manorial mill sluices some of which are still workable. (Hatcher 1973).
Around the end of the 17th century when the mill was being built, the miller built a weir across the river, to deepen the water in order to install a leat and ensure a reliable water flow. On the east bank of the river, just above the weir, were two previously-unknown areas of fissured limestone which then became inundated by the higher water level. The water poured through these, creating swallow-holes. Tests showed that at peak flow times, 4,000,000 gallons of water pass daily through these crevices, augmenting the Irton and Cayton Bay Springs bore-holes. (Debenham 1972).
Further Reading and References:-YAHS - Hatcher Card Index. Research funded by the Yorkshire Arts Association 1972.
Hatcher, J. The industrial architecture of Yorkshire. Phillimore, 1985.
Harrison, J K. Eight centuries of milling in north east Yorkshire. North York Moors National Park Authority, 2001.
Debenham, L S. Scarborough's Water Supply, the Influence of Water on the Expansion and Prosperity of Victorian Scarborough and on Later Events. Transactions Vol 2, No 15, Scarborough & District Archaeological Society, 1972.
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Key Words :- watermill corn livery stables
Viewing the Site :- Visible from Mill Lane, West Ayton
Address :- Mill Lane, West Ayton, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO13 9JT
Grid Ref :- SE 98770 84903
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.250286 , Long -0.485582
Local Authority :- Scarborough Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1296718,
Site Condition :- Site refurbished to industrial / commercial use
Site Dates :- c1700 -
Record Date :- 16 May 2015
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © YAHS Archive
Grid Ref :- SE 98770 84903
Co-ordinates :- Lat 54.250286 , Long -0.485582
Local Authority :- Scarborough Borough Council
Pre 1974 County :- Yorkshire - North Riding
Site Status :- Listed - Grade II
Historic England List No - 1296718,
Site Condition :- Site refurbished to industrial / commercial use
Site Dates :- c1700 -
Record Date :- 16 May 2015
Copyright :- cc-by-nc-sa 4.0 © YAHS Archive