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Description

Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving this excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill.

The watermill has been renovated over the past few years and was officially opened by the town Mayor on Saturday 10th May 2003.

Work has been done to restore the mill so that it is a working mill. Although we now know that there was a second wheel (used for fulling) on the site there are no plans to replace that. Among the many traditional trades and crafts displayed are the wheelwright's shop, transported from Devon and preserved exactly as it was left on the day the owner shut up shop, and the equally authentic Blacksmith's shop. These are not the only trades that are featured so why not make a visit to check out what else is on view.

During 2005 we had over 3000 visitors & we raised £7,500.00 for five charities. The cheques were presented at a special coffee morning to which all the attendants had been invited by the local MP, Jeremy Browne and were much appreciated.

There is much to see and do in the village of Bishops Lydeard. Allow at least half a day so you can to relax in our Dusty Miller's tea room, with a range of home made cakes, soft drinks, ice creams and confectionery, before visiting other attractions such as the West Somerset Railway.

The water wheel weighs over two tonnes yet can be turned from inside the Mill using just two fingers. The miller's stream originates in the Brendon Hills and is the same stream that provided the water when the wheel last turned fifty years ago, it is aptly called the Back stream !

Amongst the traditional trades and crafts displayed is the wheelwright's shop, the cooper's shop, the saddler's shop, the blacksmith's shop and the Victorian kitchen, as well as a thatching display. The wheelwight's shop has been transported from Devon and preserved exactly as it was left the day the owner shut up shop for the last time.

Bishops Lydeard Mill has been painstakingly and precisely restored by the Back Family over many years. The Mill and the attached Mill House have been cited as places of historical interest and given a Grade 2 conservation listing. The aim of the project was to preserve a small piece of history in the picturesque village of Bishops Lydeard whilst also helping to shape the future into a better one for less fortunate people. Five charities receive all the proceeds and donations raised by patrons of the mill.

The tea room was opened in August 2004 and is situated to the rear of the mill. It has an excellent view of the water wheel with outdoor seating to make the most of the English summer! The tea room is well appointed and has a range of home made cakes, soft drinks, ice creams and confectionery.

The proceeds all go to the charities supported by the mill. Volunteers staff the tea room, which is only open during the admission times of the mill..

Note : Although there is limited access for wheelchairs to the mill, The tea room/toilets are fully accessible and the wheel can be clearly viewed.