This shot shows one of the two waterwheels at Thwaite's Mill industrial museum in Leeds.
Thwaite Mill is situated on the River Aire, where a natural bend in the river allows water to be easily re-directed, making it an ideal site to build a watermill.
The buildings on the site date from 1823-25, but the surviving machinery was installed from the 1870s onwards, when the lease on the site was taken over by Thomas Horn. He and his descendants ran the mill for a hundred years, until it closed in 1976, following severe flooding.
The waterwheels were designed and built in the 1820s by Thomas Hewes and are low breast shot wheels. This means the water hits the wheels just below axle-level. The iron frames are original, but the wooden paddles need replacing approximately every 20 years.
The mill produced powdered chalk, which was sold for use in whitewash, putty, polish and paint. Massive increases in the demand for putty in World War 2 meant that it then became the main product produced here.
In 1990 the site was reopened as an industrial museum, and it is a fascinating place to explore. Much work has been done to restore equipment, and the site is well equipped for school visits, for pupils to learn about the water mills, or the extensive wildlife area also on the site.
Thank you all for your comments - it is interesting to hear what you think of my photos.
I've spent quite a bit of time today reading about Thwaites Mill and the history of waterwheels - a fascinating story. It's also fascinating that some of the old weirs are now being harnessed to generate electricity, a great example of recycling!
Thank you all for your comments - it is interesting to hear what you think of my photos.
I've spent quite a bit of time today reading about Thwaites Mill and the history of waterwheels - a fascinating story. It's also fascinating that some of the old weirs are now being harnessed to generate electricity, a great example of recycling!
Ian