WORSBROUGH Mill’s 400-year history is set to be marked with a series of events in 2025.
The mill has been in use since 1625, meaning it will celebrate its historic milestone.
And, after Barnsley Council committed to funding delicate repair work at the mill, it’s now been confirmed that consultations are taking place on what visitors would like to see in its anniversary year.
Repairs are required to the main upright oak shaft that drives the mill’s mechanism as without this, the mill will remain silent and inactive, with flour production grounding to a halt in its huge year.
Coun Robin Franklin, cabinet spokesperson for regeneration and culture, added: “As part of National Lottery Heritage Fund Millennium of Milling, the Barnsley Museums team, working with local communities and colleagues across the Council, will be marking the 400th anniversary of Worsbrough Mill in a number of different ways.
“We are currently mapping key dates that need to be marked over the year, such as National Mills Weekend and Heritage Open Week.
“We will then plan activities for these, such as flatbread making, which the team also delivered last summer.
“Currently, we are consulting with partners, communities, and volunteers on what they might like to see, and this will shape our plans.
“The council remains committed to preserving our local history and we look forward to this.”
The first record of a mill on the site was in the Domesday Book of 1086, although the exact location of the mill along the River Dove is unknown.
The oldest part of the mill standing today dates from 1625 and forms the two-storey, stone building known as the ‘Old Mill’, which houses the huge waterwheel.
Graphic design students from Barnsley College have been given a role in the celebrations, tasked with designing a ‘Worsbrough Mill 400’ logo that will be used throughout the year.
Meanwhile, photography students have been invited to create a new portfolio of photographs that capture the building’s history.
David Exley, chair of the Barnsley Museums and Heritage Trust, said:
“The passion and commitment shown by the community in preserving the mill speaks volumes - we’re excited to celebrate this milestone with everyone who helped make it possible.”
