Town Mill Education - Facilities for School & Group Visits

THE TOWN MILL LYME REGIS Dorset, England


		EDUCATION VISIT FACILITIES FOR SCHOOL AND ADULT GROUPS

		The Town Mill welcomes visits from pre-schools, schools, colleges and adult groups. A watermill has stood here since 1340. The present mill, which mostly dates from 1648 when it was rebuilt after being damaged in the Civil War, was restored to working order at the turn of the new century.

One aim of this restoration was to make the mill available for school and group visits. We offer a valuable and fascinating opportunity to see ancient technology in use within an industrial archaeology setting. The mill's working waterwheel dates from the Victorian era, though other parts of the milling equipment are much older.

The changes in the mill’s purpose and operation over the centuries provide insight into economic and social, as well as technological, development - a process that continues. For in 2007 the mill added a small hydro-electric generation system, harnessing the power of water to provide electricity for the mill house and to export surplus to the National Grid. Thus visiting groups can see the past, and a more environmentally-sustainable future, co-existing here at the Town Mill.



		Guided tours by experienced volunteer millers, including some hands-on activity for pupils, are the heart of our provision for pre-booked visiting groups.



For primary schools. With its milling machinery spread over three large floors, this working watermill provides an ideal practical example for history, science and geography elements within Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 of the national curriculum. The mill's simple but impressive equipment helps pupils to experience the use of rivers and waterpower in the production of wholemeal flour.

		For secondary schools, colleges and adult groups. Key themes additionally include industrial heritage and industrial archaeology in a superb and carefully restored mill setting. The mill building and its workings also offer imaginative opportunities for work in the creative arts.



OTHER RESOURCES AT THE TOWN MILL

These include a comprehensive series of professionally-prepared informative display boards, working scale models of the Town Mill and of a Roman mill, and exhibitions devoted to the history of the mill and its place in the life of Lyme Regis. A comfortable classroom/meeting room seating up to 30 people, with coffee making facilities is available in the Miller's House. It can be hired by the hour, half day or full day. For more information and current hire rates, click here.



For details of how to arrange and book school or group visits click here


	The Town Mill Mill Lane, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3PU, England Tel: 01297 443579 e-mail info@townmill.org.uk