Gayle Mill 2003 before restoration
Gayle Mill, situated near the upper Wensleydale market town of Hawes, is an 18th century mill of national significance, as recognised by it’s Grade II* status.
It was built in the 1780s, originally as a Cotton Mill, but for the last 100 years of it’s life was operated as a sawmill.
It contains much of the original Victorian wood-working machinery and what is believed to be the oldest in situ working water turbine in Europe possibly the world.
In 2004, Gayle Mill appeared on the BBC2 Restoration programme, winning the regional heat and coming in the top three in the national finals.
Since the mill ceased commercial activities in the 1980s a wide range of organisations and local people have been attempting to put together a package of funding for restoration and proposals for after-use that would see the mill take on a new lease of life.
The mill was purchased by the North of England Civic Trust in 2003 and restoration works commenced in late 2004, with an anticipated completion date of early 2006. Included in the capital works are the installation of a new water turbine which will produce electricity for export to the national grid, and a biomass boiler to heat the mill itself. Thus Gayle Mill will once again be at the forefront in the use of new technologies.
Once completed, the mill is to be leased for operation as a going concern to the Gayle Mill Trust, a not-for-profit company set up specifically for the purpose.
Activities will focus on three themes; as a venue for and provider of related training & education, as a producer of high quality timber products and renewable energy, and as a heritage visitor attraction.
It is anticipated that Gayle Mill will work with other organisations and companies in the area to stimulate the sustainable economic regeneration of the upper Wensleydale area.
Friends at a promotion at DCM
Gayle Mill Force early 1950s
Bains 1823 entry for Gayle mill
- Knit Hose, caps, Shirts, &c. Manufacturers,
- Routh O. and C. Gayles mill
