Saving our Water Wheel
Restoring the water wheel
What is Higher Mill Museum’s water wheel?
Higher Mill Museum’s water wheel was built around 1848 by a local company. The water wheel powered the entire mill, with water from the lodge turning the wheel to drive all the machines in the mill. It ran the mill until 1953 when it finally failed and was replaced with an electric motor.
Why are we restoring the water wheel?
it would allow us to run it for demonstrations, improve visitor access and visibility and preserve it for future generations.
How much is needed?
The restoration of the water wheel will be split into two phases.
Phase one - £5,000
In phase one, we’ll undertake temporary repairs to bring the wheel back into true circular shape and make it demonstratable.
Phase two - £55,000 - £100,000
Following this, significant repairs will involve reinforcing the wheel, replacing broken parts, and installing speciality parts that have gone missing over the years, making it easier for our visitors to access and enjoy.
Help us to make our water wheel magnificent again
Your donations allow us to preserve Higher Mill Museum’s stories for the next generation.