Millstones of The Pennines and North West England

Grain had to be ground down, or milled, into flour to make bread, and technology improved by introducing circular, horizontal millstones powered by water or wind. Other trades needed the means to crush raw materials to produce their final product, such as vertical grindstones used to crush bark for use in tanning, pulp softwood timber to make paper, crush apples for cider, or pulverise gorse for animal fodder. This book explores production sites across North West England and along the Pennine chain, where millstones and grindstones were sourced from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2023
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Since the dawn of civilization 10,000 years ago, the process of grinding grain into flour for bread has been an essential part of human existence. In the early days, the only available method for this task was the simple hand quern, which was limited in its capabilities. However, as time progressed, technological advancements emerged, leading to the introduction of circular, horizontal millstones powered by water or wind. These innovative machines revolutionized the milling industry, enabling the production of flour in greater quantities and with greater efficiency.

Beyond the realm of breadmaking, the demand for crushing raw materials to create various final products also grew. Vertical grindstones became indispensable tools in industries such as tanning, papermaking, cider production, and animal fodder production. These stones were used to crush bark, pulp softwood timber, apples, and gorse, respectively, in order to extract valuable ingredients and materials.

The production of millstones and grindstones was a rural industry that thrived in small quarries and on hillsides throughout North West England and along the Pennine chain. Skilled artisans would carefully roughen out suitable stone outcroppings, using traditional techniques and tools. The evidence of this industry can be found in the abandoned "roughouts" that litter many upland areas, as well as in the tooling marks left behind by the artisans.

This book delves into the exploration of production sites across North West England and along the Pennine chain, spanning from the Middle Ages to the nineteenth century. It sheds light on the sourcing of millstones and grindstones during this period, providing valuable insights into the technological advancements, economic developments, and social structures that shaped the milling industry in this region. By examining these production sites, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the historical significance of millstones and grindstones in the development of human civilization.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 165 x 234 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398112933