SUMMER FUN
Where flowers meet flour
Few can resist the smell of freshly baked bread as it wafts through the air. At Worsbrough Mill and Country Park in Barnsley, all the family can learn about how those tiny grains of wheat become that deliciously moreish loaf and see South Yorkshire’s only working water powered corn mill..
Standing in the middle of Worsbrough Country Park on the edge of the serene reservoir, the two-storey Old Mill dates back to 1625; however, Domesday records show a mill in the area from as early as 1086.
Powered by the River Dove, the ancient water wheel is housed in the Old Mill which would have also been home to the miller and their family before the house was built in the 18th Century.
As technology advanced, the mill was modernised in the 1820s, followed by the building of a new,
steam engine powered mill next door in the 1840s.
Sadly, due to cheap imports and the arrival of the faster and safer roller mill, the UKs corn and flour trade dropped off towards the end of the 19th Century, with the mill becoming disused by the early 1900s. The steam engine was scrapped but the old water mill was still in use to grind corn and oats for the farmers’ animals up until the 1960s.
Thanks to West Riding Council, the site was restored and opened as a working museum in 1976, with a rare 1911 Hornsby hot bulb engine from Sykehouse Windmill used to replace the forgotten steam engine. Today, the site is operated by Barnsley Council with the doors to the mill open most days if the miller, Richard Moss, is busy at work. Starting as a farmhand 25 years ago, Richard worked as a park ranger and thanks to his knowledge of the mill, was asked to be a miller where he took over full time 12 years ago.
Producing 17 tonnes of flour every year, Worsbrough Mill is one of around 33 historic mills still
24
aroundtownmagazine.co.uk
and spelt varieties of Worsbrough flour (seek doctors approval). The flour is mainly bought by artisan or cottage bakers plus whole food shops; Rob Royd Farm Shop uses the flour to make the Worsbrough Cob which can be purchased and is also served with homemade soups and salads in the on-site Millers Tea Room. Along with premium quality flour from soda meal to semolina, wholemeal to strong white, they also sell porridge and muesli with exceptional tastes.
operating, down by over 40 in the past decade.
Unlike modern, fast-paced mills whose heat kills off the nutrients in the wheat, the stone grinding at Worsbrough operates much slower, retaining the natural wheat goodness in the end product – meaning nothing is added artificially like mass-produced flour. This process takes years to learn, particularly to create the Worsbrough quality products. With a different taste and texture, the Worsbrough flour also behaves differently when baked, with Richard offering baking and tasting demonstrations throughout the summer for you to try the distinct Worsbrough flavour.
Made from fully organic British wheat, while not entirely gluten free, those with wheat intolerances have noted how they can still enjoy the rye
After discovering the two historic mills, head up to the reservoir which was completed in 1804. Built to supply water to the Worsbrough branch of the Dove and Dearne Canal which is linked to Goole Seaport, it was enlarged in 1826 adding an extra 20 acres of surface water.
Today, the 60 acre water’s edge attracts bird watchers and anglers as well as those who tread the reservoir’s perimeter in search of nature and wildlife.
After the perfect family walk taking in water and woodland, playing on the free play area or taking part in one of the regular family activities, head on down to the Millers Tea Room for a bite to eat, refreshing drink or a freshly baked cake and scone.
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84
