Man's mill restoration hope in memory of late wife

The owner of an 18th Century watermill in North Yorkshire has said he wants to bring it back into use in memory of his late wife.

George Harrison, 94, restored Low Mill in Bilsdale with wife Hazel earlier this century and it has recently been upgraded to Grade II* listed status, however it is currently out of action.

It is thought the mill may have been established by monks from Rievaulx Abbey, and, according to Historic England, it is recorded in documents from 1538 and 1641, though it was largely rebuilt on its current site between 1785 and 1786.

George said: "I'm nearly 95 and would like somebody to buy the mill and keep it going once I've got it going again."

The mill had been Grade II listed since 1990 and its status has since been upgraded by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport on the advice of Historic England.

The recent upgrade means it is now classified as a "particularly important building of more than special interest".

Historic England said the change would mean any future changes to the property would be carefully considered to protect the building's historic character.

A spokesperson for Historic England said the mill's machinery was "rare and remarkably complete", leading to a recommendation for a higher grading.

They added: "The building retains evidence of the pre-1785 arrangement in addition to a remarkably complete set of machinery, including much of that installed in 1785, illustrating the evolution of milling technology.

"The milling machinery is especially significant because it can still be operated."

However, as the mill is out of action it needs more work to operate again - something which George said he hoped would happen soon.

"When the mill is working it gives a type of music," George explained.

"When the wheels are running around, the wooden wheels against the steel cogs, they give a sweet note and every now and again there is a big groan as the things gets a bit tight.

"Everybody that has heard it running, they come back just to hear it.

"It makes music. I love this mill."

Hazel, who died in 2023, used to own the farm where the mill is located with her first husband, Ted, who died in 1998.

The pair previously restored the mill in the 1970s, with George then helping Hazel to again restore the building during the 2000s.

George, who married Hazel in 2013 when they were 82, said: "For her memory, I would like it running.

"I got it going with my wife and it takes me back years. I just want it to keep running for ever and ever. It is not heavy-duty work."

"The surrounding place is nice. If you want to go for a walk, it's beautiful," he added.

"So, please think, who do you know that is under his wife's feet?"

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