Monument record 3905/1 - Weekley Mill(s), Probably Medieval to Modern

The mill was demolished in the earlier 20th century. Earthworks and ground level masonry survive.

{1} Site of Watermills (SP 88958025), in the extreme south-east corner of the parish beside the R. Ise, on alluvium at 63 m above OD. The earthworks are the remains of two mills, known as Weekley Mills, which were still in existence in the early 19th century {2, 3}. They consist of a long and partly raised inlet channel, now dry, which formerly drew water from the R. Ise some distance to the N.E. To the south the site of the mill itself is now marked by some ashlar and rubble walling, with later brick additions probably of the 18th or early 19th century. The wheel-pit and two overflow channels all lead into round-headed culverts, which empty into two parallel tail-race channels. These then run south-east to meet the river.

{4} Earthworks noted on aerial photographs, comprising the post medieval watermills of Weekley. The mill is marked by rubble and ashlar masonry. There is a wheel-pit and two overflow channels which led into round-headed culverts. Shows a long, raised inlet. On site of possible settlement.

{5} At Domesday there was one mill rendering 64d. In 1731 the miller was Samuel Garratt. From 1796 to 1874 the Ward family occupied the mill. In 1880 the mill was advertised for sale by Duke of Beccleuch's estate. By 1895 a steam engine had been installed to supplement the water wheel. In 1898 John J.Stevenson was the last miller to be listed in a trade directory. The mill was still standing in 1920, but had been long demolished by the 1960s.

Site visit 30/07/2002. Ground level masonry present.The site of the mill is on a former leat from the River Ise. The vicinity of the mill is now very overgrown. There are indications of two tail races from the mill, which is unusual. Apart from the rough ground and a brick arch over one of the watercourses there is little indication of the mill here. Excavation of the mill site might reveal the significance of it having two tail races.

<1> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1979, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, p.154 Site 7 (checked) (Series). SNN77380.

<2> 1808, Geddington, Weekley & Boughton Enclosure Map, (unchecked) (Map). SNN29401.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1811-9, First Edition Ordnance Survey Surveyors Drawings, Sheet 268 (Map). SNN104902.

<4> Northamptonshire SMR Collection of Aerial Photographs, NCCAP:SP8880/001-3
NCCAP:SP8880/001-003. (Aerial Photograph(s)). SNN104822.

<5> STARMER G., 2002?, Northamptonshire Watermills Survey 2001 - 2002 (H-Z), p.125 (checked) (Report). SNN105521.

<5> STARMER G., 2002?, Northamptonshire Watermills Survey 2001 - 2002 (H-Z), p.125 (unchecked) (Report). SNN105521.

Record last edited

Feb 10 2025 7:24PM