Chimney, Glasker Mill, adj 1 Ouley Rd, Ballyskeagh, Banbridge, Co Down, BT32 5DB

A square granite and brick chimney standing to full height, located directly in front of the south-east elevation of the corn mill. Dating from the mid-19th century (1840–1859), it is associated with a nearby boiler house and is a prominent local landmark.

The chimney has a square base constructed of random rubble granite with an advanced chamfered base and dressed granite cornice. Above this sits a tapered brick flue, also of square section, topped with a moulded granite cornice. The north-east elevation is abutted by a relatively modern concrete block shed.

Historical Context

The chimney reflects the adoption of steam power in addition to water as a more reliable power source for rural industry during the mid-19th century. Uncaptioned mill buildings appear on the 1833 Ordnance Survey six-inch map at Mill Town, noted in the 1833 First Valuation book as belonging to Andrew McAlister and comprising a corn mill, kiln, house and offices. The 1853 Ordnance Survey map captions the complex as "Corn and Flax Mills", with a footprint matching today's layout. The circa 1862 Second Valuation book records the owner as Roberts S Corbett, listing the buildings as "Corn and flax mills, kilns". The valuation notes two overshot waterwheels measuring 20 feet diameter by 4 feet wide and 14 feet by 2½ feet respectively, with water supply available for only about five months of the year. To supplement this unreliable power source, there was a high-pressure steam engine of 14 horsepower. The corn mill contained one pair of gritstone shelling stones (5 feet diameter) and two pairs of French burrs for grinding (4 feet 4 inches diameter). The flax mill contained 10 scutching stocks and two sets of flax breakers.

The complex was entirely rebuilt in its present form sometime between 1833 and 1853. By 1894, the flax mill was noted as "at rest", though the steam-powered mid-19th century flax mill appears to have continued in operation. John J Corbett took over the premises around 1919. By 1922, the corn mill was at rest and the kiln and stores were disused, though the steam-powered flax mill seemingly continued operating until after the Second World War. Glasker Mills (Corn & Flax) are cited on the 1903 and 1918 Ordnance Survey maps.

Setting

The chimney is one of several buildings and structures within the mill complex, including the corn mill to the north-west, flax mill to the north, and boiler house to the east. The site is situated on the north side of Ouley Road at the junction with the main Loughbrickland–Rathfriland road, with a former flax store (now a house at 1 Ouley Road) to the west, farmyard to the north, and fields otherwise surrounding the site.