Conservation Work bringing Historic Mill to life

Gloucester City Council is carrying out the restoration work to the remains of Sheriff’s Mill off Abbeymead Avenue. 

The water mill was used to grind crops like wheat and later corn and finally closed in the 1920s. The name of the mill is thought to relate to it being owned by the Sheriff of Gloucester. 

Parts of a footbridge and the mill leat, an artificial stream that once provided water to the mill pond, survive on the council owned land.

They are thought to be 200 to 300 years old and are the only surviving remains of a watermill in Gloucester but a mill has stood on the site since at least the 13^th century.

There were once lots of water mills in and around Gloucester but most have been demolished and redeveloped.

Gloucester City Council applied to the Enovert Community Trust for funding to carry out the repair works and provide new interpretation. The trust has generously made a grant of £6,600 towards the project.

 Taking place over the next few months the work will include clearing the site and removing any rubbish.

 And there will be conservation work done to both the bridge and the mill leat along with the installation of a new interpretation board explaining the history of the site.

Councillor Sarah Sawyer, Cabinet Member for Planning at Gloucester City Council, said: “We’re very fortunate to live in an area with such rich history and so many fascinating stories waiting to be uncovered and shared. I hope this conservation work helps bring the story of Sheriff’s Mill to life for both residents and visitors.”

Angela Haymonds, Manager of Enovert Community Trust, said: “Heritage projects are very important to Enovert Community Trust, and the Trustees were delighted that a project which was located in such an accessible spot and which related to both the city’s agricultural and industrial heritage came to us for support.”