Mill reopens for the first time in two years

The huge cogs and engineering at Branscombe Manor Mill have been fully restored

A historic water mill in Devon is reopening for the first time in two years after a major refurbishment.

The National Trust-owned Manor Mill in Branscombe dates back to the 17th Century but saw its heyday in Victorian times when it was one of four working mills in the east Devon village.

It was shut to the public in 2023 for major refurbishment and conservation work but will again turn and grind grain for animal feed as it did 150 years ago.

Martin Jennings-Wright, who volunteers for the National Trust at the mill, said the building was "special".

Martin Jennings-Wright, who volunteers at the Mill, said the building was "special"

The works have been carried out by skilled Millwrights who "painstakingly restored the water wheel, and ensured the stones and the cog gear work as smoothly now as it's ever done before".

Mr Jennings-Wright added: "It's tremendously special - it's very unusual to find a Victorian water mill working in this kind of condition.

"It's efficient and super condition, despite the fact that it did lie dormant for an awfully long time.

"We've linked up with a local farmer and we're going to be supplying his farmstock with fresh product produced through this mill."

After its official opening, the plan is for the mill to be open to the public on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons.