A FUNDRAISING appeal has been launched to allow part of an old mill’s historic past to go on display.
Albert Mill, a Grade II listed building at Dapps Hill in Keynsham, was originally constructed around 1733-34 by the Bristol Brass Company and later used as a cotton mill, grist mill, and logwood mill.
It was rebuilt following a fire in 1873, ceased production in 1964 and was converted to flats in 1992.
It still retains its historic mill room, water wheels, and grinding stones, which can be visited by the public during the annual Heritage Open Days weekend.
But a new piece of its history came to light during last September’s open days.
Jill Coles, a resident of Albert Mill, said: “I noticed that the floorboards were a bit loose. So we lifted them, and underneath were the original workings of the mill.”
The hidden components consisted of cog wheels that connect the mill wheel to the grind stones.
Now the mill’s management committee has decided that the best way to display the cogs is to replace the floorboards with toughened glass, similar to the way Roman mosaics can be seen in the town’s library.
A dedicated heritage fund has now been set up to finance the project, following months of the necessary checks and financial arrangements. The initial target is £3,900 to pay for illuminated glass flooring.
The fund directors are planning to apply to Keynsham Town Council for a grant, as well as seeking support from donors, but they have also set up a JustGiving page inviting donations from the public. Details can be found by visiting the albertmill.co.uk website.
Any funds raised beyond the £3,900 target will be used for future heritage projects at the mill, such as repairing rotting wood between the grindstones.
As well as its historic mill room, Albert Mill still has its water wheel in its garden, which overlooks the River Chew with its three weirs, mill leat and sluice gate.
The mill is scheduled to open to the public again on Heritage Open Days on September 12 and 13 this year.
