Park Flax mill,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Former scutching mill for flax converted to use as a saw mill and electricity generator now derelict and ruinous. Two storey stone building with mill wheel on south west gable perpendicular to River Faughan, picturesque when viewed from Park Bridge (HB01/01/029). Mill race parallel to river diverted via two sluice gates to 5 metre diameter iron wheel. Race also carries on under saw mill to second wheel (HB01/01/014B). South west gable part rebuilt in concrete block with single window. Tin roof collapsed in on broken machinery of sawmill still largely existent on first floor. This floor is at the ground level of the yard above. The facade is open to the weather. The building is at an angle to the larger mill building adjacent, but a metal shaft connects the power from the wheel into the building at the lower level. This building is described at HB01/01/014B. There are two openings to the north east overlooking the river and a corrugated metal lean-to porch.

Historical information

Erected by the Beresford family in the 1830s as a flax mill. Leased by the Douglas family from 1850 to 1874. Mr Joe Irwin then leased the mill until 1894. Operations ceased in 1900 when it was converted to a saw mill by John Quigley. The threshing part of the mill was burnt in 1910. Albert Quigley leased the mill in 1920 and used it for generating electricity as well as a saw mill. Mr Ken Quigley bought the mill in 1960. It operated until the mid 1980s, it has since fallen ito dereliction.

References:
Primary Sources:
1. OS Map 1st Edition 1831 Co Londonderry 29
2. OS Map 2nd Edition 1848 Co Londonderry 29
3. 'Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland Vol.28. Parishes of County Londonderry IX', ed Angelique Day & Patrick McWilliams (QUB, 1995) p.7.

Secondary Sources:
1. Along the Faughan Side 1986 p.13, 14 Olly McGilloway
2. Quigley’s Mills, Tireighter TD, Co Londonderry HB Report by F W Hamond 1989
3. Mill Records. In possession of occupant of HB01/01/19
4. IH R: Reference Number: 1946

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A formerly picturesque building when viewed from Park Bridge where the wheel is clearly visible. It added to the character of the village. The building was also of note for its historical association with the Beresford family and that family's role in encouraging the development of Park Village. Machinery on site but some broken. Unfortunately derelict state of building has reduced its architectural and historic character.