Melin Voelas

Cadw's description

Location

Pentrefoelas mill stands at the E end of the village, approximately 100m from the crossroads, placed gable to the road.

History

A mill has been located at or near this site from early times, a pandy on the River Voelas is recorded in mid C16. The present building is probably early C18 in origin, altered in the C19, for which a datestone inscribed M Ll 1817 was found during alterations when it was completely restored to working order in 1985-8. It has also been known as Price's Mill.

Exterior

Built of local stone rubble with large unshaped quoins. Slate roof renewed in 1988-9. The building consists of an E-W range with the mill race at the E end, and a S wing at its E end projecting to the road, a lean-to on its W side infilling the angle. A door in the W gable provides access to the E-W range. The building has small metal and timber framed windows, largely C20, and a door in the lean-to on to the road. The restored iron overshot water wheel on brass bearings could generate 20+ horse power, generated by water from a timber launder fed by a short channel from the mill pond above to the rear, itself fed by a leat from the Afon Moch, a branch of the Afon Nug. A sluice could be controlled from within the mill.

Interior

Locked and inaccessible at the time of inspection, and no machinery or fittings could be inspected, although it is recorded as having 3 pairs of underdrift stones, one pair being French Burr, the other brought from Gaerwen Mill on Anglesey. It also is reported to have two corn drying kilns with perforated tile floors, an oatmeal sifter and a Swiss silk dresser, introduced in c1932.

Reason for designation

Included as retaining the form of an C18 water mill, and for its group value in the village.