Fownhope Park

Wood, Forest in Herefordshire

England

Fownhope Park

Mordiford Mill Utilising all four floors (including the attic space), this 1840s building extends an earlier mill.
When new roller mills producing white flour became popular old mills were used to mill animal feed and eventually went out of business in the early 20th century.
During WWII it was adapted to be used by the home guard by adding gun firing slits in the third floor - two can be seen either side of the window.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2409369">SO5737 : Mordiford Mill</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2409358">SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, ground floor</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2409468">SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, second floor</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2409439">SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, third floor</a>
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2409405">SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, fourth floor</a> — Mordiford Mill Credit: Bob Embleton

Fownhope Park is a picturesque woodland area located in the county of Herefordshire, England. Situated near the village of Fownhope, this park covers a vast area of lush greenery and is renowned for its serene beauty and diverse wildlife.

The park is predominantly covered by dense forests, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The woodlands consist of a variety of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. These trees provide a sheltered habitat for numerous animal species, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide array of bird species.

Fownhope Park offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the park's natural wonders at their own pace. These trails wind through the woodland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the River Wye, which borders the park.

In addition to its natural beauty, Fownhope Park also boasts several amenities for visitors. There are designated picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a leisurely lunch amidst the tranquil surroundings. The park also features a children's play area, making it an ideal destination for families.

Fownhope Park is open to the public throughout the year, and admission is free. It provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of this idyllic woodland retreat.

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Fownhope Park Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.014784/-2.6192637 or Grid Reference SO5735. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mordiford Mill

Utilising all four floors (including the attic space), this 1840s building extends an earlier mill. When new roller mills producing white flour became popular old mills were used to mill animal feed and eventually went out of business in the early 20th century. During WWII it was adapted to be used by the home guard by adding gun firing slits in the third floor - two can be seen either side of the window. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, ground floor SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, second floor SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, third floor SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, fourth floor

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, ground floor

The two large cog wheels have wooden teeth made from apple trees because of their hardness. The small wheel is cast iron complete with teeth. The arch on the right wall suggests this may be an earlier mill that was then adapted to the four storey building we see today. The mill is slowly undergoing a total restoration so the hopper and the millstones are being stored down here. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill

The rear of the building showing the overshot wheel. Notice the WWII gun slots from which the Home Guard could delay the invading enemy. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, fourth floor

The large wooden wheel could be lifted to tighten the wheel on to a leather drive belt to raise sacks of corn from the ground floor up to for storage or feeding into the mill machinery. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, fourth floor, hoist wheel

Detail of the wheel which when raised tightened onto a leather drive belt to raise sacks from the ground floor. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill, fourth floor

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, third floor

Now being used to story a variety of tools and equipment. The cupboard on the right as used to separate the fine ground flour from the coarse by passing the ground flour through a rotating near horizontal drum with varying mesh hessian coverings to sieve the flour. Notice the WWII defensive gun slots by which the Home Guard would delay the advance of invading troops. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, second floor

The mill has two grindstones driven from the floor below. The vertical oak shaft fed power to two horizontal shafts. The one on the left drove a leather belt up to the top floor to hoist sacks up from the ground floor. The one on the right drove a belt to the rotating flour sieve "cupboard" that was against the right hand wall. The curved wooden panel on the end wall was part of a lever system to control the flow of water over the wheel - located the other side of the wall. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill water wheel

Undergoing complete restoration. The buckets have been removed using an angle grinder to cut through the completely corroded bolts. New axle bearings are being made. White limestone from the leet water has covered some of the iron. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill mill wheel bucket

The owner of the mill explaining the restoration work. The water wheel, when restored will have many of these metal "buckets" around the circumference to drive the wheel by the weight of the water. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton

Mordiford Mill, seed blower

A wooden fan driven from the water wheel blows air through the vertically falling seed to remove dust and other contaminants out of the building. SO5737 : Mordiford Mill

Bob Embleton