Heron Corn Mill – Beetham

Heron Corn Mill is a Grade II* listed water powered corn mill built in the 18th century and remodelled and enlarged in the 19th century. Located on the River Bela, milling on the site is thought to have medieval origins as rights to erect a corn mill at this location were granted to the Canons of Coningshead in 1220.

The mill operated until 1955 and was restored and opened as a museum in 1975 with a complete working interior. This includes a rare survival of a Lowder frame, with four pairs of millstones powered by a 14ft overshot water wheel. The mill continues to produce water powered energy as a newly installed 100kw hydropower Kaplan turbine generates electricity for the complex.

The mill is constructed from roughly coursed rubble stonework with a timber framed roof structure covered by grey slates. L shaped in plan the mill has an associated mill race and a large separate barn of similar date. Lambert Walker were appointed by architects Alan Gardner Associates to undertake a programme of repair and refurbishment. The Heritage Lottery Fund assisted with part funding the renovation works.

Reroofing involved the renewal of lead flashings and reused original slates where they are in good condition with additional new Westmoreland grey slates as required. The underside of the slate roof was also ‘torched’ with lime mortar in a traditional manner, so that no slates were visible from the interior. Internally and externally the existing cementitous mortar was removed and the roughly coursed rubble stone walls were repointed with a traditional lime based mortar. Masonry repairs also saw weathered or damaged stone replaced with similar stones to match the existing façade and windows and doors were repaired.

The building was rewired and refurbished and the addition of interpretive elements will help people better understand the history of the mill and its importance to the local community and its regional significance. Throughout the works, site tours were arranged and training in specific traditional building skills was also available, including roofing, masonry and millwright works.

Lambert Walker are looking to recruit a trainee ROOFER and STONE MASON on a 3 month work placement.

This placement will provide the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and understanding of the repair of a historic building.  We are looking for a person who is enthusiastic and committed. If you feel this is of interest to you, please read the attached Placement & Person Specification, complete the Application Form and return following the instructions as noted.

Placement Specification – Roofing at Heron

Placement Specification – Stone at Heron

Person Specification – Roofing at Heron

Person Specification – Stone at Heron

Application and Selection Procedure – Heron

Application Form for trainees applying for Placements