Research reveals more mill secrets

A NEW research project has uncovered fresh secrets of the history of an iconic North Yorkshire mill.

The project into the Grade II listed Gayle Mill, near Hawes, which dates from 1784, was spearheaded by historian Angela Leathley and part-funded by the Friends of Gayle Mill and Gayle Mill Trust.

The research discovered that more than 170 years ago there was a proposal to turn Gayle Mill into a school, from a letter dated July 1840 from John Routh, son of Oswald Routh, one of the owners at the time, speculating about obtaining a grant of £50 (around £2,200 today) for the conversion of the building.

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It has also been confirmed that the bell which is now at Hawes Primary School was once at Gayle Mill where it announced the start and end of the working day during the 1840s, when many local people would have been employed there.

William Lambert, chairman of Gayle Mill Trust, said: “This research has enabled us to lay some myths and misconceptions to rest, but it has also exposed new areas where data and hard information are lacking”.

“We would welcome any contributions with further information.”