THE MANSION
The Mansion, another substantial Totnes building, built in red brick is a very elegant Georgian Mansion found at the lower end of Fore Street and has been, and still is, a centre of education in Totnes for the past 100 years. For many years the frontage of this building was completely covered in ivy until it was removed to protect the brickwork. Totnes Grammer School which was founded in 1553, occupied the building from 1887 to the 1960's. Walk through the building which also houses a nursery and youth area to a very welcome break at the Mansion Cafe.
TOTNES TOWN MILL
Situated just of the Plains the present Town Mill dates from the 16th century and was once part of a very important milling complex.
The first written reference to mills in Totnes was in 1133 but this increased dramatically in the 15th century.
Originally fitted with two corn milling waterwheels, both driven from up river and tidal water, one wheel, which was on the Coronation Road side was left derelict and at the same time the opposite wheel was removed and replaced with a water turbine to generate electricity.
In 1937 the derelict waterwheel was removed and filled in to make way for the construction of Coronation Road.
Remaining as a mill until 1945 it was eventually became part of the now closed Harris Bacon Factory site and used as a store.
In 1978 the mill was designated a "Building of Historic Interest" and Safeway Stores Ltd who had bought the site for a new supermarket, sold the mill to the Totnes and District Preservation Society for £1. The mill was then restored over the next few years.
The town mill now houses the Totnes Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor and above, the Totnes Image Bank.
In the garden at the rear of the mill is the removed water turbine and a mill grindstone.
The first written reference to mills in Totnes was in 1133 but this increased dramatically in the 15th century.
Originally fitted with two corn milling waterwheels, both driven from up river and tidal water, one wheel, which was on the Coronation Road side was left derelict and at the same time the opposite wheel was removed and replaced with a water turbine to generate electricity.
In 1937 the derelict waterwheel was removed and filled in to make way for the construction of Coronation Road.
Remaining as a mill until 1945 it was eventually became part of the now closed Harris Bacon Factory site and used as a store.
In 1978 the mill was designated a "Building of Historic Interest" and Safeway Stores Ltd who had bought the site for a new supermarket, sold the mill to the Totnes and District Preservation Society for £1. The mill was then restored over the next few years.
The town mill now houses the Totnes Tourist Information Centre on the ground floor and above, the Totnes Image Bank.
In the garden at the rear of the mill is the removed water turbine and a mill grindstone.
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