Melin Daron

Cadw's description

Location

Situated in Aberdaron village, some 70m east of Pont Fach, below B4413 road to Pwllheli.

History

Village corn-mill, comprising a central cross-range, possibly C18 or earlier, and wings E and W, with additional range parallel and to N of W wing, added in early/mid C19. Cross-range marked on 1841 Tithe Map. Overshot waterwheel was on the N end of this range, fed via wooden launder from a mill pond on higher ground to NE, dry now but wheel pit and pond walls intact, sluice blocked but otherwise little altered. Water was supplied to the pond by a leat, mostly marked by a footpath, running E to the Afon Daron.

Restoration began in 2023.

Exterior

Corn-mill, rubble stone with slate roofs. Cross-range and wings, one to E, 2 parallel to W, the stonework of wings different to cross-range. Cross-range has broad gable with loft opening under timber lintel and ground floor double boarded doors set to right under long timber lintel. Wing to left has one door with timber lintel towards left end, apparently to kiln-room for drying-loft. Outside steps at W end to tall loft door with timber lintel. Wing to right has grouted slates to roof and one door to extreme left, ledged stable door. Added E end lean-to. Rear of cross-wing has hole for vanished waterwheel and first floor opening to right with slab lintel. Small hole in gable for control of launder. Waterwheel axle visible in 2023. Behind W wing is added shorter parallel range with one window rear left and W gable-end window to loft over window and door, slab lintels.

Interior

Much of the internal layout and mill machinery have survived intact. Machinery for corn drying and flour dressing has also survived and many of the original beams are still present, some with C19 graffiti carved or scorched into them.

Reason for designation

Included as a substantial village corn-mill of vernacular type, and, despite the loss of the wheel, still retaining character as a rural industrial building with much of its internal machinery.