East Suffolk Council
Council supports historic mill’s restoration project
Grant funding from East Suffolk Council has helped ensure that Woodbridge’s historic Tide Mill can keep turning and producing flour.
The Trustees of Woodbridge Tide Mill Museum secured a grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, along with £5,000 from East Suffolk Council’s Historic Building Grant Scheme, to enable vital work to the building’s Hurst Frame.
The frame supports the oak and iron machinery that harnesses the River Deben’s tides to mill local grain – making it the only working, flour-producing tide mill in the UK.
Due to rising sea levels, the frame spends long periods submerged in salty river water. A timber survey recommended work to ensure the frame remained structurally adequate, with sections of the lower part of both Hurst Frame legs needing to be cut away and replaced by engineering brickwork.
John Carrington Chair of Woodbridge Tide Mill Charitable Trust said:
“We are delighted to have received the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and East Suffolk Council. This enables us to do this essential work without dipping into our reserves.
“The mill is of national importance and because of its age and location needs continual maintenance. Our reserves mean that we can respond quickly if an urgent repair is needed.”
Cllr Caroline Topping, Leader of East Suffolk Council, said:
“Woodbridge Tide Mill is one of the most iconic and important landmarks in our district – and a jewel in the crown of the River Deben.
“What makes it particularly precious as an attraction is its rare distinction as a working, flour producing mill, performing the same function it was built for hundreds of years ago.
“I’m delighted that this grant will help protect and enhance the internal framework that supports the machinery used to keep that tradition going.”
The work will be done during winter, when the mill is closed, and take until mid-December. While repairs to the Hurst Frame will interrupt milling, commercial contracts will continue to be fulfilled, and the millwheel will be rotated to avoid it becoming waterlogged.