Historically there were a number of water mills along the Gowy Valley, reflecting the rich agricultural heritage of the area. Records show that there has been a mill at Bunbury since 1290.  It is believed that the present building dates from circa 1850 when Thomas Parker began milling flour.

The loading ramp which enters directly on to the top floor of the Mill bears witness to the deliveries of grain that were brought by Horse and Cart. After the opening of the Chester Canal, in the late eighteenth century, much of the grain would arrive by canal much of it coming via Liverpool.  A section of  the Act permitting the building of the Canal included a clause protecting the water supply to the Mill.
 The Mill was extensively rebuilt in mid nineteenth century and much of the equipment survives from that date. In the latter years, the main product was animal feed, produced from materials grown on the local farms.

Falling demand for local flour and feed took it’s toll and the Mill declined in importance. It finally ceased production in 1960 when a massive flood did so much damage that it could no longer be used. It came very close to demolition in 1966. Nantwich Rural District Council needed to install a water treatment works. For this they needed a suitable site and they bought the land on which the Mill and water treatment plant now stands, from the Tollemarche Estate. The plans for the new construction were prepared and they included a sum set aside to demolish a “derelict building” that stood on the site.

Residents were concerned by this development and pressed the Council  to use the money to pay the material costs of a proposed job creation scheme. This proved to be a success and the Mill was restored to working order. In the meantime there were national schemes afoot to reorganise the water industry and so it was that it fell to the. North West Water Authority to finally re-open the Mill. That organisation has since been absorbed into United Utilities plc.

The re-opened Mill proved to be popular, particularly with school parties and there was therefore a need for additional facilities. United Utilities took the decision to build a classroom which also incorporated toilet and kitchen facilities. This was opened in June 1999. It proved to be a popular attraction and it accommodated heritage visitors as well educational visits from schools throughout the region.

The restored Mill was never a profit maker and increasing constraints on both public and private expenditure forced United Utilities to the decision that it was no longer possible to maintain the Mill. It has now been unused for two years.  Once again local residents were concerned for the future of the Mill and a local trust was formed to secure that future. United Utilities were also anxious that the Mill should be preserved and they entered into discussions that finally led them to offer the Mill to the Trust for a totally nominal sum.

The Trustees are looking to once again establish the site as an industrial museum and education centre with a programme based around the Mill and its surrounding land.  We are currently looking to enlist the help of those who can support or deliver lessons in the dedicated education centre on the history of, and principles behind the operation of mills.  We also aim to introduce supervised activities based around the environs of the Mill with dipping pools, encouraging the study of flora and fauna found in the grounds. 

There will be significant challenges in funding the operations of this ancient watermill and the Trustees invite participation in a "Friends of Bunbury Mill” scheme which will comprise of an annual donation (suggested minimum of £20) giving free guided access to the Mill when open to the public .

If you feel able to support the Trust in this way could you please complete the form available on this site (click on Adobe logo below) and return it to:
Tom Gilchrist, Little Orchard, College Lane, Bunbury.  CW6 9PG.