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Owen Rush Hill View Cowbridge Timberscombe Somerset. TA24 7TD
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Cowbridge Sawmill is situated in the village of Timberscombe, set in the midst of the beautiful Exmoor countryside. The first Mill on this site dates from at least the 14th Century when it produced flour for the local people. The amenity survived until the late 19th Century. In 1904 the Mill was converted to a Sawmill which continued to serve the local community. By the end of the 20th century the Mill was in urgent need of renovation.
This
renovation has been driven by the vision and determination of Mr Owen Rush, who together with his
wife Angela purchased the Mill in a derelict state in
1995. The old mill has been reroofed and the floors
rebuilt, while the dilapidated workshop and forge have been demolished and
replaced by an attractive two storey building of local stone with a slate
roof.
As well as enhancing the appearance of the Mill, the new building contains a forge, workshop and museum providing an interesting attraction for the village of Timberscombe and the Exmoor region.
The most ambitious aspect of the project has been hidden from the view of passers by. This is the restoration of the 14 ft water wheel which used water from the Mill Leat to power the Mill for over 700 years. The wheel is now turning again with the aim of producing Hydro Electric Power. The project is one of 5 schemes currently being developed by the Exmoor Renewable Energy Group to provide sustainable energy for local use.
The owner's vision is for a working water mill and forge which will provide energy and preserve a vital part of our heritage. Whilst working on the Mill, Mr Rush has also acquired a substantial collection of agricultural and industrial machines and tools. These will be displayed as a private collection, which will be open to the public, free of charge, by appointment. When complete the site will be an excellent amenity for everyone who cares for our environment and wishes to see our National heritage preserved.
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Click here to go to History of the Mill Click here to go to Volunteers |
Village Website www.timberscombe.com
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