The Water Mill

Historic 12th century mill within the Fountains Abbey estate, with a working water wheel and displays inside covering its history. The mill was once an important part of abbey life, providing flour for bread making. It fell into disuse after 1927, but was restored to working order in 2001. The building has served a number of purposes over the years, including a granary and sawmill, and still retains many original features. Well worth a look in while exploring Fountains Abbey.

Set in the grounds of fountains abbey, this water mill museum has plenty to see !!

Nice to look around but there isn't much really. Well, not for me. The kids will enjoy ringing the bell on the mill. Again, there are lovely grassed areas to sit, relax and have a bit to eat.

Fountains Mill is the monastic grain mill belonging to Fountains Abbey. At its peak, the abbey housed over 250 monks, who, along with guests and those seeking help from the surrounding area, needed to be fed. The Cistercian order emphasized self-sufficiency, which is why the mill played a central role in monastic life. The monks ate bread with every meal and drank a weak ale (healthier than water at the time). The milling process was an essential part of producing bread and beer. The abbey had its own bakery and brewery, where flour was transformed into bread and malted barley into ale. A constant supply of water was essential for the mill's operation. The monks were able to divert the River Skell along a millrace into a millpond, so that the force of the water flow drove the waterwheels and set the mill in motion. The mill's operation required a constant supply of water. The monks were able to divert the River Skell into a millpond, allowing the power of the water to drive the waterwheels and set the mill in motion. . ... The mill survived the dissolution of the monastery in 1539 because it generated an annual income of £3. It continued to operate as a mill for the next 800 years. In the 1840s, a new waterwheel was installed to power a sawmill. In the 1900s, the mill generated electricity for a dairy and neighboring residential buildings. Fountains Mill is the only remaining 12th-century Cistercian grain mill in the UK. It underwent extensive restoration in 1983. The mill stands on a large site owned by the National Trust, which also includes the impressive ruins of the abbey. Members enter free of charge; otherwise, it is worth paying the entrance fee. There is much to see and discover.