Heron Corn Mill - Beetham, Cumbria

Heron Corn Mill is located on the banks of the River Bela in Beetham, South Cumbria, close to the Lancashire border. It occupies the west bank of the river immediately below Beetham waterfalls.

Heron Corn Mill is a Grade II* listed building, the listed structure comprising the attached mill race (launder), attached grain kiln/dryer and internal machinery. It includes a rare survival of a Lowder frame that is associated with the machinery. The mill's associated structures, are of national significance, as a relatively intact, operational, 18th century corn mill that continues the use of the site as a water mill, a use that has been ongoing in the area for over 900 years. The existing structure of the Heron Corn Mill dates primarily back before the middle of the 18th century, and was essentially constructed in a single phase. The mill retains rare engineering features, such as the lowder frame, that is integral with the building, and milling has been documented on, or near the site, since at least the 13th century and it is likely that the mill has been constructed on the site of much earlier mills.

The mill passed through many hands, with the longest association being with the Dallam Estate, until 1927, when it came into the hands of W & J Pye millers of Lancaster. From about 1955-58, they rationalised their business and closed the mill and for the next two decades the mill was left unused. In 1973, Henry Cooke Ltd., leased the mill to the newly-formed Beetham Trust, to restore and open the mill to the public. In 1975 the mill was opened by Princess Alexandra, and has continued to demonstrate the engineering of a water driven corn mill to the public. Henry Cooke Ltd was later taken over by Billerud Beetham Ltd, the current owners of the freehold and from whom the trust have a 99 year lease on the site and buildings.

Heron Corn Mill is open for free drop in visits Wednesday to Sunday, 11am to 4pm. A guide booklet is available for purchase which explains the history and use of the site throughout it's life.

A guided tour by the Millwright trainee/curator can be arranged for groups of 6 people or more. Comprises of a full guided tour and refreshments in the barn along with a slideshow of archive photography and a series of archive films. Please get in touch for booking.

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New Training Programme for Capital Works at Heron Corn Mill
Throughout the restoration and repair work on our Grade II* watermill (carried out by Lambert & Walker as part of a HLF project), Heron Corn Mill will be offering opportunities for the community, students wishing to train in the heritage building industry and professionals to view the site as work is happening. Please view the full list of events by downloading the PDF here

VOLUNTEERS WANTED!

Are you interested in volunteering at Heron Corn Mill? Pauline our new Volunteer Coordinator is waiting to hear from you - pauline@heronmill.org

Visitor Information 2013

We would like to inform that people wishing to visit the Mill at Heron Corn Mill that it will not be open for regular visits between January and September 2013 due to planned captial works on the mill building and site access. The Good news is that we have secured HLF funding for the development and Heron Corn Mill will offer a vastly improved visitor experience once re-opened later in the year. Click heading to read more

HISTORIC WATERMILL AWARDED HERITAGE LOTTERY GRANT

HISTORIC WATERMILL AWARDED HERITAGE LOTTERY GRANT Heron Corn Mill, situated on the west bank of the River Bela in Beetham, Cumbria, has been awarded a Heritage Lottery grant of GBP 939,100 to bring the Grade II* listed watermill back to life, improving access, creating training and learning opportunities, and developing and installing new interpretation and signage. Matched funding has also been awarded by John Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust and Leader + RDPE.

Hydro Energy Meter
Click the Hydro page see visit our new energy meter.

HERON CORN MILL (BEETHAM) LTD WINS HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND SUPPORT
Heron Corn Mill in Beetham, near Milnthorpe, Cumbria has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the Waterpower Connection Point project, it was announced today.

A RIVER RUNS THROUGH IT ...

'a river runs through it' is a 12 month arts project based at Heron Corn Mill.

EDUCATION PACK AVAILABLE

Heron Corn Mill now has a new teachers resource pack. Suitable for Key Stage 1-2 it contains three new exciting modules for schools and groups. Just � 3.00 including P&P.

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THE TURBINE ARRIVES
Video of the hydro turbine arriving.

HYDRO TURBINE INSTALLATION VIDEO
A short video of the hydro turbine installation so far.

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