Coleshill Mill and River Cole Tour

Discover the intertwined histories of Coleshill mill and the river that powers it on this guided walk. As part of the tour discover how the power of the river is used to drive centuries old machinery and produce flour. Learn more about the lives of millers, and the many milling terms that have become part of our everyday language. If water levels allow the mill will operate, allowing you to see the machinery in motion and witness the mill come alive with the sights, sounds and smells of traditional milling. Coleshill has been home to a watermill since the doomsday book, with the current structure and machinery dating from 1790, representing some of the oldest mill machinery in the country still capable of performing its original job. Whilst the 20th century marked the decline of milling at Coleshill, in the 1920s and 30s Coleshill mill was also home to two influential studio potters, Katherine Pleydell-Bouverie and Norah Braden who lived and worked at the mill together as partners. The river Cole has its own interesting history, having provided the power behind the mill for centuries, with diversions, neglect and restoration all playing key parts in its history. As part of the tour, learn more about the National Trust’s restoration work and future ambitions for the river, including wetland creation and plans to further naturalise the river. Mill & River tours take place on the 10th of May, 1st of July and 10th of October.