Knowles Mill

Heritage Site in Worcestershire Wyre Forest

England

Knowles Mill

Knowles Mill, located in Worcestershire, England, is a historic heritage site with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. It is a picturesque watermill situated on the banks of the River Stour, near the village of Bewdley.

The mill was originally constructed in 1775 and served as a vital part of the local community, grinding corn into flour for the surrounding area. Over the years, Knowles Mill underwent several modifications and improvements, adapting to changing technologies and demands. It played a significant role in supporting the agricultural industry in Worcestershire during the Industrial Revolution.

The mill's distinctive red-brick structure and traditional waterwheel are iconic features of the site. The waterwheel, powered by the river's flow, would turn the millstones to grind the corn. Visitors to Knowles Mill can witness this fascinating process firsthand, as the mill has been meticulously restored and is still operational.

Today, Knowles Mill serves as a popular tourist attraction and educational site, offering visitors a glimpse into the region's industrial heritage. Guided tours provide insight into the inner workings of the mill, showcasing the machinery, tools, and techniques used in traditional milling. Interpretive displays and exhibits further enhance the visitor experience, providing historical context and highlighting the mill's significance in local history.

The surrounding landscape of Knowles Mill is also worth exploring, with its picturesque countryside and scenic views of the River Stour. It offers a tranquil setting for nature walks and picnics, making it an ideal destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.

In summary, Knowles Mill in Worcestershire is a beautifully preserved heritage site, offering visitors an immersive experience into the region's milling history. Its historical significance, stunning architecture, and idyllic surroundings make it a must-visit destination for those interested in the industrial heritage of Worcestershire.

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Knowles Mill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.3867/-2.3509 or Grid Reference SO7676. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Car park off Dry Mill Lane

This is a new car park for people walking in the Wyre Forest and is the recommended car park for visitors to Knowles Mill. A fellow collaborator has kindly confirmed my position and view direction.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill

Preserved derelict flour mill on the Dowles Brook in the Wyre Forest. The remains of the overshot waterwheel are behind the curved wall in the foreground and the tail race is in a tunnel.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill - the remains of the waterwheel

This was an overshot waterwheel with the leat coming in at high level on the left and the portal of the tail race tunnel visible to the right.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill - machinery

A nineteenth century watermill that went out of use in 1891 when it was damaged by a flood following a big freeze. It is the only recognisable mill in the Wyre Forest. This somewhat sharpened (really!) shot shows the pit wheel, wallower, great spur wheel and crown wheel. There is a surviving stone nut and quant on the right with a bed stone on the floor above. The other stone nut and the other stones have gone. There is a fragmented French burr stone on the ground inside.

Chris Allen

Knowles Mill

Nineteenth century watermill that has been out of use since 1891 and is now preserved by the National Trust. The bridge in the foreground crosses the Dowles Brook.

Chris Allen

Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley

There is both a kissing gate here, and a gate wide enough to let a vehicle pass through. On the other side is a track, with a rough stone surface, which makes a steep descent down to a pond and a steam. SO7676 : Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley

The pond is at the bottom of the track, but not visible in this photograph. SO7676 : Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The pond is on the left but difficult to see, as its surface is reflecting the trees which hang overhead. It is one of several which are linked by a small stream, and appears to be either artificial or enlarged from the original. SO7676 : Gated entrance to track in Wyre Forest near Bewdley. SO7676 : Track to pond in Wyre Forest, near Bewdley. SO7676 : Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The pond may be artificial or artificially enlarged. It lies on a stream which runs through the forest. SO7676 : Pond and track in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Junction of two paths in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

The lower path runs alongside a pond. The other path climbs steeply. SO7676 : Pond in Wyre Forest near Bewdley.

P L Chadwick

Ferns in the Wyre Forest near Bewdley

Ferns were flourishing in this area.

P L Chadwick

Holiday homes along the Severn Valley

Wooden chalets on this side, a square of park homes or static caravans on the far side. Seen from a south-bound Severn Valley Railway train.

Christine Johnstone

Wooden bungalow, Northwood Lane

The riverside bungalows were built in the 1930s and earlier, before strict planning controls, as holiday homes and weekend retreats for anglers from the West Midlands. Seen from a south-bound Severn Valley Railway train.

Christine Johnstone

Farm buildings off Northwood Road

Seen from a south-bound Severn Valley Railway train.

Christine Johnstone

Footpath in the Wyre Forest near Buttonoak

The footpath here follows a fire break in the woodland but which may well actually be the route of the Elan Valley pipeline carrying water to Brum. Anyway, it is steep!

Jeremy Bolwell