Description
NAME: CASTLE MILL/PAPER MILL/CRAGG MILL
LOCATION: Cragg Bottom
REF: CD133/134/135
GRID REF: 006 237
CLASSIFICATION: A
CONDITION: Ruins
APPROX DATE OF SITE AND BUILDINGS: Early 19C
DESCRIPTION/HISTORY: Situated in a heavily wooded gorge of Cragg Brook, these three ruins are very close together and difficult to tell apart. The remains of walls built into the valley side, a wheel pit (with ornamental wheel), race, small dam and weir and the site of a gasometer holder can be seen. The paper mill dates from the mid 18C. The other two were cotton mills. Cragg Mill burned down in 1894.
PRESENT USE AND POTENTIAL: Historical and visitor potential of these remains of early water powered sites could be realised. However, there are problems of access, in particular the best remains are now part of a private garden, although they can be seen from a footpath. Also, unsightly scrap heap and tipping near the site of Castle Mill could be eradicated
Photo taken c1985.