The desk-based assessment, which was stage one of a two part study, was completed by Sheppard in 2001. It provides a historical background to Robinson's mills, drawing heavily on the extensive research and resulting articles written by Nan Greatrex in 1986-87. Using 18th and 19th century maps and plans, Sheppard produced a plan of the complex water supply system, its relationship to the mills and the relationships between different parts of the system as far as they could be deciphered without excavation. (1) 33 areas were identified as important to the narrative of the site. (1)