Millrace near to watch tower

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Mill race in Roe Valley Country Park flowing from Given’s Weir (i.e. Grid Reference as above) near Carrick Corn Mill (HB02/08/033C) and following the River Roe to the field of the former ‘Roe’ bleach green at Largy. A bywash under a small stone footbridge returns the race to the river. The continuation of the race past the watch tower (HB02/03/014B) to the mill pond at the Roe Valley Reception Centre has been filled in, as has a branch to the former Wash Mill (HB02/03/012A).

The weir is still reasonably intact. It is formed in concrete with a fin mid stream diverting water to the opposite bank and away from the fragile river wall around the sluice gate.

The sluice gate similar to that at O’Cahan’s Rock in the park (HB02/13/009B) is of timber construction with a concrete footway formed on rail tracks behind. The metal machinery and the gates have been removed. The structure remains with timber boards nailed to the front preventing most water from passing into the lade. On the river side of the sluice the construction is concrete (presumably over stone) a date: 1931 is inscribed.

The mill race quickly runs out of water though its sides remain. It divides into two parallel channels rejoining at regular intervals before coming to an abrupt end.

The footbridge over the bywash is a segmental stone arch with no parapets one stone thick. A modern timber footbridge has been constructed adjacent.

Historical information

Indicated on the 1830 Ordnance Survey Map though probably dating from the 1760s when Lesley Alexander of Newtown Limavady established a bleach green at Largy. System of mill races were renovated and increased in the late 19th century as part of the increased water demands of the electricity station at Dogleap (HB02/03/008). Part of this included the provision of two parallel races to ensure that the water supply to Dogleap farm on the other side of the River Roe was maintained (see HB02/13/010, 011 and 007). The system was maintained by the Limavady Electricity Supply Company and its successor the Northern Ireland Electricity Board until closure of the station in 1967. The mill race preserved is on lands acquired as part of the Roe Valley Country Park opened in 1976. The section of race not in the park was filled during the 1980s to facilitate efficient farming on the former bleach green.

References:

OSS 1830
Electricity from the Red River NIE p.16
Ordnance Survey Memoirs of Ireland Vol. 25
Records of Roe Valley Country Park p.82

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Important because of its association with the history of water powered industry on the River Roe and in particular as one of the sources of power for the Dogleap Power Station.