Inside Thwaite Mills:
Between 1872 and 1962, several different stone-crushing processes were carried out in the mill. It is the machinery from these industries that survives today. When a process was abandoned, the old machinery was not always removed.
It was adapted to be used in a new process, or more often, simply left as it was. Tours of the mill display the heavy machinery which was used to make chalk into putty. This machinery is still in working order so be prepared to hear the thump and the grind and feel the buildings vibrate as the machinery is put into use!
The Waterwheels
Two large fully-working waterwheels are situated in the very heart of the mill. Turned by water from the River Aire, they powered machinery throughout the site. The power is transferred from the waterwheels to the machines by shafts, gear wheels, pulleys and belts.
The two waterwheels designed and built by Thomas Hewes are low breast-shot wheels. The frame of each is made from iron, and the wooden buckets are elm. Both waterwheels have a diameter of 18ft (5.6m). The larger of the two wheels is 14ft 6ins (4.26m) wide, and the smaller is 8ft 9ins (2.67m) wide. Both wheels turn at a maximum speed of 12 rpm.
The Engineers' Workshop
The engineers’ workshop contained all the necessary equipment and facilities to repair the wheels and machinery on site. See the workshop as its was used in the bygone days and come to one of our special event days to see the blacksmith in operation!
In the workshop all types of metal and wood work were undertaken ranging from really heavy work, such as renewing the bearings on the axles of the waterwheels to making screws and nails. Some of the corves, carts and wagons used on the site were made and repaired here. Nearly all the machinery in the workshop was driven by power taken from the waterwheels.