A NEARLY 400-year-old mill that remains one of a few of its kind in Yorkshire is under threat of closure as repair work that will cost around £40,000 is desperately needed to future-proof the historic building.
Worsbrough Mill is a unique landmark within the borough, standing as one of the last fully-functioning mills in Yorkshire and is still capable of grinding 16 tonnes of grain a year through water power provided by the nearby River Dove.
However the future of this beloved historic site - which will celebrate its 400th birthday next year after being in use since 1625 - has been plunged into doubt as urgent work is needed to repair the main shaft that drives the mill’s mechanism.
As there are only a few specialist millwrights left in the UK, the cost of the work needed to get the mill up and running again stands at a costly £40,000 - and Barnsley Museums Heritage Trust are asking the public for help.
They have launched an online appeal to raise funds, as they hope to ensure the mill can continue running for future generations and have already raised £4,000.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, said: “Worsbrough Mill has been a crucial part of our industrial heritage for almost 400 years and it’s vital that it can remain so for future generations.
“I encourage the people of Barnsley to donate what they can to make sure this fantastic piece of history can be preserved and continue to thrive as a museum, community hub, and outstanding free tourist attraction.”
Howsham Mill, near York, is as a similar site, though is more than a century younger than its Worsbrough counterpart.
However, the grade-II listed building no longer functions as a grain mill, with the waterwheel instead converted to produce hydroelectricity that is now connected to the national grid.
Other mills remain standing in Cumbria, but Worsbrough’s unique heritage site is the only one of its kind for miles.
David Exley, chair of the Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, added: “It’s an absolute must that we get the mill working again.
“If not, the fascinating stories become untold for future generations and the mill becomes just another monument in history.
“People of Barnsley are proud of their industrial heritage and now is the time to show it by donating what they can to this vital cause.”
A link to the fundraiser can be found on the Chronicle’s website.
