The National Trust has started work at Nether Alderley Mill to ensure the building is structurally sound, and with the aim of limited opening to the public later this year.
Nether Alderley Mill was built in the 15th century on the site of an original mill of around 1290. It is one of the few remaining corn mills in Cheshire, complete with working machinery of c 1850 and 1871.
The mill came to the end of its working life in 1939 when the property became derelict. It was handed to the Trust by its then owner in 1950, who completed repairs to the roof and other parts of the building. By 1967 the machinery was restored to working condition in the grade 11 listed building by Dr. Cyril Boucher.
Phyllis Bayley, Building Surveyor for the National Trust said: "The mill is of great regional and possibly national significance, particularly with regard to the two overshot water wheels, which are themselves unique.
"The structural and conservation work we are now carrying out is the first part of a long term project taking place over the next 18 months which we hope will eventually lead to visitors being able see the entire mill operation - from the flow of water from the mill pond at the top through the mill and the wheels into the culvert below, whilst also observing the flour milling process.
"Meanwhile, we're aiming to have the mill open the Mill to the public in late summer this year, so that people can see just what a wonderful building it is and find out more about what we're planning to do".
For further information about the Mill please contact [email protected].
