Downs Banks

Heritage Site in Staffordshire Stafford

England

Downs Banks

Millennium Point Toposcope, Barlaston Downs Credit: Brian Deegan

Downs Banks is a picturesque heritage site located in Staffordshire, England. Situated on the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands, it covers an area of around 71 hectares and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The site is known for its diverse range of habitats, including ancient woodland, heathland, and meadows. It is home to a rich variety of wildlife, with numerous species of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers thriving in this natural haven.

One of the highlights of Downs Banks is its network of walking trails, which wind through the woodland and open spaces. These paths allow visitors to explore the site at their own pace and take in the breathtaking scenery. There are also designated areas for picnicking, making it a popular spot for families and nature enthusiasts.

Downs Banks has a fascinating history, with evidence of human activity dating back thousands of years. The site contains several archaeological features, including an Iron Age hillfort and the remains of a medieval village. These historical remnants add an extra layer of intrigue to the site, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in the region's past.

Managed by the National Trust, Downs Banks offers a range of amenities for visitors, including a car park and toilets. The site is open year-round and admission is free, making it accessible to all. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll in nature, a glimpse into the past, or simply a place to unwind, Downs Banks is a must-visit destination in Staffordshire.

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Downs Banks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.93/-2.147 or Grid Reference SJ9036. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Millennium Point Toposcope, Barlaston Downs

Brian Deegan

Mosty Lea Mill

One of eleven former flint mills on the Moddershall Brook. There was a mill near this site from the twelfth century. It was purchased by Stephen Townshend in 1716 for use as a fulling mill in wool cloth production. Converted by John and Ralph Baddeley in 1756 for flint milling it continued in this use until 1962.

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Mosty Lea Mill

Preparing to start up the mill.

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Mosty Lea Mill - starting up the mill

Having raised the sluices a few turns of the red handle is all it takes to start the flow between the millpool and waterwheel.

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Mosty Lea Mill - starting up the wheel

Water flows onto the backshot wheel.

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Mosty Lea Mill - wheel in full flow

The backshot wheel powers the flint grinding pan.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Flint Grinding Pan

The calcined flint and limestone blocks are rotated around the water filled grinding pan until a sufficiently fine grain size is achieved. The solution is tapped off into the washing tub.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Washing Tub

The washing tub allowed the finer residue to be separated from the coarser particles which were returned to the pan for further grinding. The timber paddles were manually operated to agitate the solution. The solution was run off into three settling tanks.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Settling Tank

The ground calcined flint was allowed to settle out of solution. Peg holes in the far corner allowed water to be progressively drained away. Once the required concentration was achieved the solution was pumped into barrel to be sent to the potteries. To avoid transporting water an additional drying stage was later incorporated in the manufacturing process allowing the material to be sold as a cake.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Drying Bed

The final process was to dry the ground calcined flint to a cake on the heated drying bed. On National Mills Weekend it was a spot for a couple of the 'Friends of Mosty Lea Mill' to take a few minutes to discuss Stoke City's dismal performance at the FA Cup Final yesterday.

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Mosty Lea Mill - East Elevation

The mill converted from a fulling mill for cloth production to a flint mill in 1759. It has a single grinding pan driven by a backshot wheel. Flint was calcined on the site behind the mill.

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Wetmore Mill

One of eleven former flint grinding mills in the Moddershall valley. The mill has a turning backshot wheel.

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Waterwheel at Wetmore Mill

The backshot wheel was turning steadily today. I assume that when it was operating commercially the water would have introduced at a higher level on the wheel.

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Splashy Mill

One of eleven former flint mills in the Moddershall valley. The mill has an overshot wheel.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Pit wheel

The Pit Wheel shares a shaft with the external waterwheel and drives the Walloper by interlocking timber teeth.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Wallower

The Wallower turns horizontally under the grinding room floor. The paddles in the grinding pan are driven by the central shaft. Power is taken off by the small gear to operate a small cylinder grinder.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Cylinder Grinder

Cylinder grinders replaced open pan grinders for preparing the calcined flint for the pottery industry. This machine is belt driven drawing power from the wallower wheel.

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Mosty Lea Mill - Mill Pool

The water drives a backshot wheel at the former flint mill. The mill and pool lie within the Kibblestone Scout Camp. The pool is used for rafting and water activities.

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Downs Banks is located at Grid Ref: SJ9036 (Lat: 52.93, Lng: -2.147)

Administrative County: Staffordshire

District: Stafford

Police Authority: Staffordshire