Park Corn Mill and Kiln

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Two storey L shaped stone mill building with adjoining three storey building containing corn kiln. The two storey building runs parallel to the river Faughan adjacent to the flax mill described in (HB01/01/014A). It faces due north. It could be described as a six bay building with different sized openings along the facade according to function. A stone firebreak rises above the roof between the second and third bays to the east. A timber water wheel is located inside the last bay to the west. The building has a slate roof and white washed stone walls. The return of the L juts out toward the river . There are two windows at first floor on the east façade, one at ground. On the north facade there are three slit openings under the eaves. The west facade formerly had two arched openings with two four pane sash windows aligning above. One arch is blocked up with a smaller flat topped entrance instead. The three storey building aligns north south. Its gable to the north has a single opening on the centre line of the two upper floors and a door to the base of the kiln off centre at the bottom. Ground level rises along the side of the building which becomes two storey on its south end. A small rendered single storey brick building abuts this gable. To the west the slate roof is extended by a lean-to corrugated metal roof on timber props open to two sides. The south elevation of the L shaped building is single storey to the entrance courtyard. There are two sliding doors to the interior. A gabled return juts into the yard in line with the firebreak, this formed part of the saw mill buildings listed as HB01/01/014A. The buildings are in a yard to the rear of Lynch’s pub (HB01/01/013). There is a two storey barn similar to the barn beside the pub at the entrance to the complex.

Historical information

As described in HB01/01/014A, the mill was built by the Beresford family in the 1830s. This mill as a corn mill and kiln. Leased by Douglases 1850 to 1874, Irwins 1874 to 1894 and Quigleys 1894 to 1960 when it was bought by the present owner.

References:
1 OS Map 1st Edition 1831 Co Londonderry 29
2 OS Map 2ndt 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. Olly McGilloway Along the Faughan Side 1986 p.13, 14
2. Quigley’s Mills Tireighter TD, Co L’Derry HB Report by F W Hammond 1989
3. Mill Records. In possession of occupant of HB01/01/19
4. IHR ref: 1946

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A once picturesque building when viewed from Park Bridge where the wheel is clearly visible. It added to the character of the village. The building is also of note for its historical association with the Beresford family and its role in encouraging the development of Park Village.