In the late summer of 2009 it was decided to clean out the rubble and other objects that had been thrown into the wash mills over the years. The only work done to date involved the recovery of the water-pump from the south mill.

Wash Mill Drawing

The first items to be investigated were the iron grills which were visible in the north mill. After first removing the detritus, which was only about 75mm deep, from the space between the mill edge and the grills, a layer of hard chalk was found. In the detritus layer various metal items were found including another piece of the iron pulley wheel with the “V” section.  We hope this means the whole wheel can be found.

Below the hard chalk layer, which was about 50mm thick, we encountered a layer of granular chalk which was soft and easy to cut This was taken to depth where a smooth concrete floor was uncovered. It was found the metal grills only extended part way to the floor, being 15in (400mm) deep and 12in (300mm) wide. Their function was to support a steel mesh filter which extended to the floor.

A pit was dug on the other side of the grille to see if this was the floor of the mill. It turned out the mill is considerably deeper and the area between the wall and the grille is a shelf. This shelf also slopes from the north down to the south end. The floor of the mill is 1.6m deep when measured from the top of brick edge of the mill.

The main mill appears to be full of solid chalk which suggests it was turned off while in full production. This also accounts for the mills drying out so quickly because there is only about 150mm of water above the chalk level.

No artifacts were found in the chalk, which was removed during this exercise. All recovered items were found only in the detritus layer. We do not think it advisable to disturb this area too much, but intend conducting a metal detector sweep and to spot dig any responses.

Diagram of the area between the mill wall and cast iron grilles.

Grille layout and retaining clamps.

The cast iron grille panels are 12in X 15in (300 X 375mm)

The Trench showing the different fill layers.

The detritus layer removed.

The layer of hard chalk, 50mm thick.

The layer of granular chalk, approx 300 mm.

The water is approx 25mm lying on the concrete shelf.

To the right of the grilles the main wash mill floor is 1.6m (5ft 3in)

At the south end of the filter shelf in the north mill, an iron grille was found measuring 24in wide and 18in deep (600mm x 450mm) this feature is repeated in the south mill and provides a link between the two mills which is large enough to allow the slurry to pass from one mill to the other. This feature is shown as Tunnel on the diagram.

In the fill material of this grille a silver 10 franc coin dated 1930 was recovered. This coin shows very little wear and has probably been in this location for a considerable number of years. It would not have been in situ while the mill was running.

Troisieme Republique

Financial Condition of France 1926-1932

In July 1926, the economy was doing rather well, the financial situation of the country is pitiful; the £ is 244f, (1f was worth 1d or one penny) 

This values the coin, at that time, at approx 10d (ten pennies) or 4 new pence.

Our next item for investigation was two iron bars and a length of heavy chain seen in the area between the central pivot point and the filters. We found one of the harrows with a length of chain attached. This turned out to be two separate chains knotted together. The other chain leads to another harrow. We now believe four harrows still exist in the mill and that all can be recovered.

A view of the top of the harrow before lifting.

The underside of the harrow showing the blades. This harrow has provision for seven blades, but only six fitted. One on the lead edge, four on the centre gang (with a slot for five) and one on the trailing edge. The blades protruded approx. 300mm (12in)

A closer view of the blades. From the wear on the underside of the harrow block and the ends of the blades it would appear the unit rotated in a clockwise direction.

The diagram shows a plan view of Harrow One with the front edge to the left side which seems to confirm a clockwise rotation.

The chains mounted on each corner of the harrow were the main suspension chains They comprise of two large links at each end and a series of smaller intermediate links. Attached to the rear right suspension chain was another long chain which led to the left inner chain end of the next following harrow. This would appear to be a connection to provide a stabilizing effect during the rotation as the blades being straight will cause the harrow front to try and swing outwards.

This harrow has location slots for seven blades. Number six blade is broken flush with the underside, with only a small fragment showing above.

This is the front left chain mount showing the wear (circled) caused by the link.     

The left rear chain mounting showing the rearward inclination of the large link of harrow 1

Below: Layout of harrow chains

The location of harrow 2 has been confirmed by four corner chains and the long chain connected to the left hand outer suspension chain.

This chain has a join in it with another length of chain which may have reached either the outer suspension hook or the inner hook. Either configuration would provide additional stability.

Harrow 2 is apparently sitting on the base of the mill on a level situation. This harrow has fewer tines visible on the upper surface but has the heavy suspension chains located on all four corners. These chains have been part cleaned and pegged out for easy re-location.

A complete harrow blade, recovered from the chalk infill above harrow 2, cleaned and painted ready for public display

October 2009

Work on the north wash mill was stopped due to rising water levels. Further excavation will have to wait until the dryer conditions of summer 2010 again lower the water table.

Fraser Miller

Archaeologist

Friends of Berengrave