Mill writing

Drainage Mills and patents

January 18 2009 by Mike Beacham (1208 views)
Research & Windmills | 1 comment

Suggestions appreciated! I have done some research which has pulled up a number of early patents and I wonder if anyone can give me more information.

I wonder if anyone on the Mills Archive blog site can help? I was looking through the published state papers for 1623 - it's the sort of life I lead, I'm afraid - and came across three 'patents'. One was granted to Lieutenant Lawrence Garlick 'for his new invention of a mill for draining drowned lands, coal-pits, etc, for milling cloth, grinding corn, and other uses.' In the same week, Sir Hugh Middleton received a similar 'patent' 'concerning a newly invented waterwork' (which I am assuming means drainage mill). The third was granted to John Rathborne and John Charsley for 'two engines by them invented for boulting and dressing meal.' This included a former patent to Edmund Blunt, of which 'they have purchased the assignment, he having never brought it into use.' This patent was granted for 21 years 'on payment of a rent of five pounds per annum.'
With regard to the two drainage mills, does anyone know what type they were, and whether they actually worked anywhere? And with regard to the meal dresser, does anyone know whether it was intended for use in a mill, or if it was meant for a bakery?
There is also a sole reference to 'certain newly-invented windmills as requiring very little wind. They would lead to the putting down of many watermills which impede the navigation of small rivers.' Any suggestions?
Regards, Mike Beacham

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Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Mon, February 02, 2009

Further to Mike Beacham: Dainage mills and patents, of 18th January.

Be aware that a few drainage mill sites in Eastern England prior to early 1700's were powered as tidal mills. I am continuing research with others to prove existing and new sites from Essex up to Yorkshire. I welcome any new feedback.
David Plunkett.

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