1707–1709
Water-pumping mill built
New River Head Mill was built at Clerkenwell to pump water within the New River Head waterworks.
Site overview
New River Head Mill was built at Clerkenwell in the early eighteenth century to pump water within the New River Head waterworks. It was designed by George Sorocold and used wind power, with horse power also associated with the pumping arrangement. The wind-powered element was short-lived: the sails were blown off in 1720, after which the installation worked by horse power.
The surviving structure is a truncated tower within the former waterworks site.
Map
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No site photograph is currently available. Images will be added as field visits are carried out.
History
New River Head Mill was built at the New River Head waterworks in Clerkenwell in the early eighteenth century. The mill was designed by George Sorocold and formed part of the water-supply works that lifted water from the lower ponds to an upper pond serving expanding parts of London. It was a tower mill used for pumping rather than corn milling, and it operated with wind power and associated horse power.
The wind-powered system was not long-lived. The mill was blown down and restored before the sails were again blown off during a high wind on 20 November 1720. After that, the sails were not reinstated and the pumping arrangement continued by horse power.
By the early nineteenth century only the base remained. The surviving truncated tower stands within the former New River Head waterworks site, where later waterworks buildings and reuse have changed the wider setting.
Timeline
1707–1720
Wind-powered pumping operated
The mill pumped water from the lower ponds to an upper pond serving the New River Head supply system.
1720
Sails blown off
The sails were blown off during a high wind and were not reinstated.
1800–1899
Truncated base remained
By the early nineteenth century the surviving structure was reduced to the mill base.
Sources and records
Windmill World Clerkenwell mill entry
Mills Archive New River Head Mill record
The builder's dictionary, or Gentleman and architect's companion, 1734
List of windmills in London
British History Online Clerkenwell history
Mills Archive New River Head Mill record
The builder's dictionary, or Gentleman and architect's companion, 1734
List of windmills in London
British History Online Clerkenwell history