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Some History
Hinxton Mill straddles the River Cam. It was constructed in the 17th century, though there has been a mill on the site for much longer; probably one mentioned in the Domesday Survey as being "worth 8 shillings". The adjoining cottage was built in the 18th century (an inscribed date of 1766 was found during recent repair work) - though the front part may date from about 1600. In the mid 19th century the mill building was extended in size, joining it up with the cottage.
How it works
The mill was originally powered by a breast-shot waterwheel. This was removed in 1913 - after a tragic accident in which a young girl playing on the wheel was carried over the top and crushed to death. The wheel was replaced by a Jones 'Little Giant' water turbine, a tiny source of power by comparison, with just an 18" diameter rotor, though rated at about 10 horsepower.
The river is dammed to create a difference in water level and provide the flow required to work the mill. The water feeds through a head-race water channel to a manually operated sluice which admits water to the turbine casing and hence controls its speed and power. The water then passes through a rotor and is discharged into the tail race water channel, rejoining the river downstream.
The turbine's power is transmitted via a vertical shaft and the great spur wheel onto three pairs of millstones. The mill contains some fascinating items of equipment, including a 'Tangye' water pump that pumped river water up to the farm-yard; the 'full' indicator on the end of the barn can be seen from the bin floor window of the mill.
Restoration of the mill
The mill business ceased to operate in 1955 and the mill was neglected from that date. The cottage, although occupied, was almost derelict with no mains water supply and with a roof leaking in a dozen places. The local authority was about to place a closing order on the cottage but the Cambridge Preservation Society purchased the property in 1984 and then restored it.
The aim of the restoration was not only to make the building structurally sound but also to bring the mill machinery into working order, maintaining the building's historic character. The mill had an unsightly corrugated iron roof which was replaced with old clay peg-tiles and strengthened by inserting new rafters. Structural repairs generally were kept to a minimum and limewash was used to blend new surfaces with old. The mill machinery was generally in good condition though had seized up and had to be dismantled and cleaned.
The restoration of this small clapboard corn-mill and its thatched miller's cottage was completed in 1987 and awarded a Europa Nostra Diploma of Merit in 1988.
Mill 'Open Days'
Hinxton watermill is especially worth visiting on one of the summer 'Open Days'. 'Open Days' are held on the first Sunday of each month, from May to September (2.30-5.30 pm).
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