Cotton Mill Farm - the name and some indications on the site itself seem to be the only evidence that a cotton mill once stood here. Nothing remains of the mill, but some of the workers' cottages still stand (see M2832). The mill was powered by the upper reaches of the Greet, and the site of the mill pond can just be picked out in a field to the W of the farmyard (M2761). Cotton Mill Farm represents the remains of a small self-contained industrial community which failed, and of which practically nothing is known. (1)
Excavation at Cotton Mill Farm revealed structures apparently associated with the mill here. A brick platform and brick walls, with a possible flue structure and much ash and clinker - was a steam engine installed at the mill? (2)
Very little has been traced about this mill. It was for sale in 1810 as a paper mill, new. William Smith owned it in 1813. It was for sale again in 1839 (sic) as a paper or corn mill, lately used for cotton doubling by Hodson and Co. It had a 7 hp waterwheel and a 6 hp steam engine. It may have been used by Samuel Unwin between 1821 and 1824. It was bought by H Macon in 1837 and demolished in 1842. (3)
Watermill shown. (4)
See M2832 for cottages, M2761 for pond.

Data Held: Ground Photograph (Ground photograph). SNT2646.

slides

<1> Smith DM, 1965, The Industrial Archaeology of the East Midlands, p 245 (Published document). SNT1304.

<2> NCC Archaeology Team, Site Book 1, p 22 (Unpublished document). SNT307.

<3> Morley D, 1997, Corn and Cotton - Waterpower in Notts (draft), p 8 (Unpublished document). SNT1693.

<4> Chapman J, 1774, Nottinghamshire - approx 1in (Map). SNT550.