The Beeleigh Mill Restoration Group (BMRG) was formed in 2009 when a group of volunteers came together with the objective of restoring the historic 1845 steam engine and milling equipment of the ancient flour mill at Beeleigh, Maldon, Essex.
BMRG have completed extensive restoration work on the Wentworth beam engine which can now be rotated using an electric drive for demonstration purposes. Major work has also been completed on the stone floor (i.e. the wooden floor of the 1st floor room in which the millstones were located). Several ‘tuns’ have been constructed to demonstrate the milling process. Further projects are in development to install a pair of working millstones and upgrade the engine drive to enable the equipment to be operated at working speed.
show moreEarlier work included laying a new floor in the spout room. This had to be done without disturbing the existing earth floor or the fabric of the building. The new floor is a combination of concrete paving slabs and independent suspended wooden floor. A small car parking area was also prepared for the use of volunteers on working days.
In addition to the various restoration projects, the BMRG team undertake regular maintenance of the site and the premises.
The funding of the group is entirely dependent on donations from visitors and supporters. Some major projects to date have received donations from supporting organisations.
The working group generally meet on Tuesday afternoons. New members, especially those who want to participate in on-going working sessions, are always welcome.
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