Watermill, Clapton

A water-powered corn mill in the historic county of Somerset, England.

Located in picturesque south Somerset, Clapton Mill stands on a mid-13th century mill site and the present structure is 18th century in origin. The mill worked commercially until 1991 and is now being given a new lease of life as a working museum.

It is built from local stone with brick extensions, with four storeys and a pitched roof and lucam. An impressively large 21ft-diameter waterwheel, with separate breastshot and overshot feeds, is housed internally, within a lean-to section of the building. This is fed by two rivers, and the raised launder which brings water to the site is an immediately noticeable feature. The primary drive to the machinery is by ring-gear from the periphery of the waterwheel, rather than the usual arrangement of pit gears from the wheel shaft. This installation dates from the mid-19th century, since when the mill has remained relatively unchanged. An interesting aspect of the gearing is the bevelled crown wheel, positioned between the wallower and the great spur wheel on the upright shaft, which receives power from an auxiliary engine.

The interior of the mill is exceptionally interesting, featuring a complete roller mill plant by Armfields of Ringwood, an original Ruston and Hornsby type 7HR oil-powered engine, four pairs of millstones, a sack hoist and other machinery. A recent addition to the site is a modern hydroelectric turbine which generates 'green' electricity, contributing to the sustainability of the mill complex.

Clapton mill is looked after by Craig & Gale Taylor, who are Friends of the Mills Archive.

Full details

Alternative names	Clapton Mill
Power source	Water
Mill type	Watermill
Mill function	Corn mill
Archive ID	6056
Location	Clapton, Crewkerne
Historic county	Somerset
Country	England, United Kingdom
NGR	ST 413 063
Latitude/longitude	50.85393600, -2.83423400

Location

Gallery

External view of the Mill from the road showing the lucam – the external sack hoist (Jim Woodward-Nutt)
External view of the mill from upstream, 1961 (This image is copyright English Heritage and reproduced by permission)
Interior view showing part of the power transmission, 1961 (This image is copyright English Heritage and reproduced by permission)
Interior of the attic of the mill , 1961 (This image is copyright English Heritage and reproduced by permission)
One of the two water feeds to the iron waterwheel, 1961 (This image is copyright English Heritage and reproduced by permission)