Corn Mill, Manuel Mill

Corn mill complex, comprising principally a single large rectangular plan 3-storey block built in at least 5 stages, mostly during (to judge by the visual evidence) the period second half 18th century first half ot the 19th (lesser ranges discussed below). Rubble, ashlar dressings, slated and pantile roofs, modern sheeting at left. Giant near-centre arch, behind which are recessed sites of the mill wheels (one on each gable within this arch). Flat fronted; roof heights are fairly consistent, rather than uniform.

Its uncommonly great size may be partly because of its situation, close to the Union Canal, enabling direct access to the city markets, though availability of a generous water supply (an impressive lade system was built) was also important.

Building development of main block is complex (analysed and sketched by G Bailey, whose account serves as the basis of this description - see references), but mill evidently began building where the arch is, and development can be, broadly, summarised as follows:

Phase I - the 2 bays to right of where the arch now is, a vertically proportioned 3-storey free-standing block: Phase II, a duplicate block to left, plus construction of the arch (which gave added loft space), creating a near-symmetrical composition, the whole, presumably, pantile-roofed. Thereafter, the original right-hand range was heightened slightly to the level of a new range added to the right, all slate-roofed, while the left hand side was extended in at least 3 stages (1 + 1 bay, top floor an addition), its front elevation windowed only at 2 levels, profile sheeted roof covering, originally kiln, later adapted as generator house (ground floor) with battery room above.

Associated buildings nearby, to rear, as well as ranges used for agricultural purposes: also 18th-19th centuries, mostly single storey, some half-slating, one with full-length axial ventilator.