Listed Building record MDO22168 - Purns Mill House, Purns Mill, Gillingham

Early to mid 19th century mill of dressed stone in 2 phases on east bank of the river, orientated approximately northeast-southwest. The north part is of 4 bays and 3 storeys, plus a loft and basement, it is probably later than south one of 3 bays and 4 storeys plus loft. Both phases have similar windows with stone lintels and a modern slate roof covering. The position of the former external high-breast waterwheel of approximate 5 metres diameter is visible on the west side of the southern phase. A turbine has replaced the wheel and is still in place. The mill extended southwards as long low range. The north part of the mill extends as a short spur eastwards, with a loading gantry dated 1883 to the south of the east end. The east end has been truncated, showing that building was raised. To the southeast is a separate 2 storeyed early-mid 19th century range with small square windows, it was formerly connected to the truncated east end of the mill. Other buildings at the south end, which have been modified, and included an office block to the southwest. The buildings enclose a yard. There is a fairly large mid 19th century detached mill house to the south of the complex, this is the only part of the site listed. The mill currently used for feed-milling. <4>

<1> G B Matthews and Co Ltd. A Brief History (Monograph). SDO17600.

<2> Reynolds, Graham, 1983, Constable's England (Monograph). SDO17601.

<3> Royal Commission on Historic Monuments, Externally held archive: RCH01/063 South West Textile Mills Project (Unpublished document). SDO17323.

<4> National Record of the Historic Environment, 1305514 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Aug 23 2024 12:07PM