Location : Alston
Map - Ordnance Survey - NY 719465
The story of Alston's High Mill, situated just above the Market Place in the centre of the village, reflects the history of the North Pennines economy. As the lead mining industry grew, mills provided crucial grain for people and their animals. The first High Mill was built in the 14th Century. In 1767 John Smeaton, the famous engineer, renowned for building the Eddystone Lighthouse, and who was the greatest authority at the time on millworks, was appointed to rebuild the mill.
The new mill was unusual in having a very narrow (10 inch) but very large diameter (30 feet) wheel. Along with the unique backward curved 'scoop feed', which fed the water to the wheel, these features were designed to give maximum power from the poor water supply. The wheel was of 'pitch back' type, with water falling onto the buckets high up, and turning it towards the water source. In 1817, the wheel was replaced, of greater width and smaller diameter, but still the pitchback design. Although much alteration has taken place, the main structure of Smeaton's mill remains to this day.
From the 1950's to the 1970's, the mill was used as a precision foundry, and was renowned for the production of precision cast golf club heads.
In 1992 the North Pennines Heritage Trust, which manages the Nenthead Mines Heritage Centre took over the High Mill. They installed a viewing platform and interpretive panels, as well as doing restoration and conservation work.
Precision Products (Cumberland) Limited is still operating from the Mill, although their main foundry is now located on the outskirts of Alston.
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