The Howsham Mill Project

On a tiny island in the River Derwent at Howsham, North Yorkshire, stands a Georgian watermill. Howsham Mill dates back to c.1755 and is attributed to John Carr of York, more famous for designing Fairfax House in York, and an extension to Castle Howard stables. In 1965, a Royal Commission for Historic Monuments inspector, James Williams, described the Mill as "...a building of the maximum historical interest as a very early example of gothic Revival style…" and "...of great architectural interest as it is a very rare example of the gothic Revival style as applied to a functional building. (I cannot find reference to a similar example, eg watermill)…".

Sadly, despite its Grade II listing, years of vandalism and neglect have taken their toll and the Howsham Mill Project now aims to rescue the building before it becomes irreparable.

The project is threefold:

1. Restoration of the Mill building as far as possible back to its original state externally, for use as an environmental study centre promoting renewable energy and local history and wildlife. It will also be available for use as a community venue for local people.

2. The reinstatement of the waterwheel will again harness the power of the river, but rather than driving millstones, this time will generate electricity.

It is the Trust’s aim to make the building totally self-sustaining for the 21st century using revenue from power sales to fund future restoration and conservation work at the site.

3. Preservation of the existing natural environment including protection of peripheral cover for otter. Development of a management plan which will allow increased public access to, and ensure the future maintenance of this unspoilt area of woodland.

All of this we believe can be achieved with the absolute minimum of visual and physical impact on the existing environment. It is in no way the Trust’s intention to encourage large numbers of tourists to descend on such a peaceful part of the country – rather to provide improved access and facilities for local people whilst making a small contribution towards reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, using technology from the past to create ‘cleaner’ energy for the future.

Within the Mill’s walls, we hope to house a permanent exhibition about renewable energy and its importance for the twenty-first century along side conservation information relating to the Site of Special Scientific Interest in which the Mill stands.

The location of the Mill would also lend itself perfectly to being a wild-life hide.

The resource centre would cater only for pre-arranged limited-number groups from schools and other interested bodies who would be dropped off at Howsham Bridge and then walk the short distance to the island via the existing public footpath. Local people would also be encouraged to use the space as a Community Centre for meetings and functions.

Clearly none of this will be undertaken without full ecological surveys being carried out, and permissions granted from all relevant authorities.

The Renewable Heritage Trust is a registered charity, and is currently fundraising to meet the costs of this restoration.

In order to keep these costs as low as possible, we hope to find volunteers to help but obviously there will be aspects which require professional assistance.

If you feel you have any relevant skills, ideas for fundraising or just the enthusiasm to help us rescue this glorious building, we would love to hear from you!

The Renewable Heritage Trust
Manor Farm
Kirkham
York
YO60 7JS
01653 619748