Monument record MLI84654 - Former mill, Morton Corner, Gainsborough
Summary
Former mill, Morton Corner, Gainsborough
Type and Period (3)
- WATERMILL (Post Medieval - 1820 AD? to 1850 AD?)
- STEAM MILL (Post Medieval - 1850 AD? to 1900 AD?)
- INDUSTRIAL BUILDING (Post Medieval to Modern - 1900 AD? to 2050 AD)
Protected Status/Designation
- None recorded
Full Description
54821
The former mill at Morton Corner was primarily a watermill for flour, although it was eventually converted to steam power. At the end of the nineteenth century it was still a flour mill, but since then it has been used for a variety of other functions. These functional changes have been accompanied by structural alterations including additions, demolitions, removals, blocking of entries and reduction in the height of the building to two storeys. These former functions include engineering works, a pig farm, a cheese store, a shoe polish factory, a laundry, a factory for building narrow boats and a garage. The mill is thought to have operated by allowing the fields to the east to be flooded during high tide and allowing the water through the mill race at low tide. Historical photographs show some of the changes which have occurred to the mill over time, although these changes are largely undated. The mill is said to have been the inspiration for Dorlcote Mill in George Eliot's 'Mill on the Floss', although this seems unlikely and several other mills in the area have also been suggested. {1}
A buildings survey of the mill was undertaken prior to demolition. It was probably built between 1760 and 1810. There was an additional northern wing built to the north-eastern corner by 1820, but this was removed between 1900 and 1921. Further evidence was found to support the fact that the building was reduced from 3 stories to 2. There were 3 low-set brick arches which were suggestive of the mill race and wheel pits, but no supporting evidence was revealed by the watching brief. At sometime all the internal divisions and floors have been removed.{3}
A watching brief was undertaken during groundworks at Morton Corner, Gainsborough prior to flood defence construction. A brick archway which may be associated with the mill race was uncovered. There was also evidence for a brick floor surface and further brick and stone rubble surfaces. An iron spike and timber peg were interpreted as post medieval flood defences. {3} {4}
Sources/Archives (4)
- <1> SLI8703 Report: Archaeological Project Services. 2003. Building Appraisal and Desk-Based Assessment of the Archaeological Implications of Proposed Flood Defence Works on Land at Morton Corner, Gainsborough. GMC03.
- <2> SLI8704 Archive: Archaeological Project Services. 2003. Building Appraisal and Desk-Based Assessment of the Archaeological Implications of Proposed Flood Defence Works on Land at Morton Corner, Gainsborough. LCNCC 2003.82.
- <3> SLI10059 Report: Archaeological Project Services. Aug 2004. Archaeological Watching Brief and Building Recording at the River Edge and Former Floss Laundry, Morton Corner, Gainsborough. GMC03.
- <4> SLI10060 Archive: Archaeological Project Services. Aug 2004. Archaeological Watching Brief and Building Recording at the River Edge and Former Floss Laundry, Morton Corner, Gainsborough. LCNCC 2003.82.
Map
Location
| Grid reference | Centred SK 8065 9141 (37m by 35m) |
|---|---|
| Civil Parish | GAINSBOROUGH, WEST LINDSEY, LINCOLNSHIRE |
Related Monuments/Buildings (0)
Related Events/Activities (3)
External Links (0)
Record last edited
Mar 21 2021 8:35PM
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