Ecclesall Corn Mill at Millhouses
Location/Address
Off Abbeydale Road South, Sheffield.
Type
Other site, structure or landscape
Assets that cannot fit any of the other categories. This category includes sites of archaeological interest, where the original form and function may not be apparent without the use of archaeological techniques and interpretation.
Description
The buildings of the former Ecclesall Corn Mill at Millhouses are on the site of one of the oldest water mills in the Sheffield region. It was probably founded in the later-12th century as the corn mill for Ecclesall manor, but in the 13th century it was given to the monks of Beauchief Abbey and is the only mill in the Sheaf valley that remained a corn mill when others in the valley were remodelled for different purposes. In the 19th century, the mill was converted to a steam-driven complex and by the 1930s, the mill dam had been filled in. The present buildings on the site probably date to between the 17th and 19th centuries but were altered to suit changing purposes until the mill closed in the mid-20th century. The site was rejected for Listed status in 2004, due to the alterations that have occurred and so it is not protected by any statutory designation and the future of the site and buildings remains uncertain.
The mill complex stands at the north-eastern end of Millhouses Park and presently comprises five buildings and a chimney stack, all of which appear on the Ordnance Survey 1855 map (as well as being depicted on earlier mapping). The miller's house that stood at the north end of the complex was demolished in the 20th century, but otherwise the complex has seen little change (especially externally) since it was a working mill. The site holds exceptional archaeological potential as the likelihood of buried Medieval and later remains is high.
The history of the mill and a description of the site was published in 2019 in the Transactions of the Hunter Archaeological Society, vol. 30; pp 55-76.
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Buildings - the present buildings of Ecclesall Corn Mill are of significant importance to the heritage of the local area, being an example of the many water-powered mills that characterised early industrial and commercial development along the river valleys of Sheffield.Age
The site has a Medieval foundation and the present buildings most likely date from the 18th and 19th centuries. The site holds considerable archaeological potential for Medieval and later remains.Rarity
Although corn mills were once widespread across the region, there are only a few sites that have surviving buildings and this particular example has Medieval origins, which makes it unique.Architectural and Artistic Interest
The buildings are traditional brick and stone mill buildings with some features of particular architectural value; for example, the square-sectioned chimney stack and the smaller of the two main buildings, which is of considerable antiquity. One building component (possibly reused) bears the date of 1681. The buildings are utilitarian in design as suited a working mill.Group Value
The mill complex is one of a series of mills that once stood on the River Sheaf. It is close to Abbeydale Industrial Hamlet (now a museum). There are a number of mill sites on the Sheffield rivers that, together, form a specific heritage group of considerable local value.Historic Interest
It is one of the earliest mills in Sheffield, having Medieval origins, and thus holds significant historic interest. It is also of interest to the local community and visitors to Millhouses Park. The corn mill's existence is documented in 1529, linked to Beauchief Abbey. The Fox family were believed to be the millers in the late sixteenth century and there were improvements to the watercourse (now infilled) in the seventeenth century. It is described as a steam corn mill in the early nineteenth century and continued in use until the Second World War.Archaeological Interest
The site holds archaeological potential for the discovery of Medieval and later structures, which are likely to survive below ground.Landmark Status
The mill complex stands at the north-eastern end of Millhouses Park and overlooks the cricket pitch and public recreational area. It is a familiar landmark in the Millhouses area.Images and Documents
Date Listed
18 Sep 2023
Last Updated
10 Jun 2023
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