Historic Building Details

HB Ref No:
HB16/07/046 A

Address :
Former Corn Mill off Kilkeel Rd Hilltown Newry Co Down BT34 2JU

Townland:
Ballymaghery

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Survey 2:
Record Only

Date of Listing:

Date of De-listing:

Current Use:
Factory

Former Use
Mill

Conservation Area:
No

Industrial Archaeology:
Yes

Vernacular:
No

Thatched:
No

Monument:
No

Derelict:
Partially

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OS Map No:
253/16

IG Ref:
J2190 2904

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Owner Category

Private

Exterior Description And Setting

A substantial two / three storey corn mill located on the right bank of the River Bann east of Hilltown. Aligned down the slope such that the first floor can be entered from ground level on the building's north gable. Pitched roof, slated at river end but otherwise corrugated iron. Walls of random rubble granite (smooth cement rendered on its south gable). Window openings to first and second floors on west elevation. Some of these are original and others are more recent additions; all contain modern timber or metal frames. Access to ground floor (basement) at right hand side. North gable has modern sliding doors. Lean-to addition along east wall. Lined waterwheel pit on south gable, the dimensions of which suggest a breastshot wheel 16ft in diameter by 6ft wide. A short tailrace leads back to the river. No trace of dam in yard immediately east of mill. Headrace infilled.

Architects

Not Known

Historical Information

Depicted as a corn mill on the 1834 OS 6" map. This also shows a return at north end of east wall. Noted in 1838 Valuation book as being thatched and measuring 45ft 6in x 20ft x 10ft, with 12ft x 12ft x 7ft return. Then belonged to Patrick O'Hagan. Three townlands bound. The 1859 OS map shows a rectangular block (i.e. without return). Second valuation of c.1861 notes John Martin as owner. Now slated and dimensions give as 64ft x 20ft x 2.5 storeys. Comparison with 1838 statistics indicates a substantial refurbishment or complete rebuild during the mid 1800s. Now contained two pairs of stones, along with fans, sifters and elevators. Flax mill associated (HB16/07/046B). In 1922, mill passed into the ownership of George Mussen and worked until 1929 at least. Most recently served as a vehicle repair workshop. Primary sources 1. 1st edition OS 6" map, Down sheet 48 (1834). 2. First valuation book, 1838 (PRONI: VAL 1B/ 354, p.21). 3. 2nd edition OS 6" map, Down sheet 48 (1859). 4. Second valuation book, c.1861 (PRONI: VAL 2B/3/49C, p.15). 5. Valuation revision books, 1866-1929 (PRONI: VAL 12B/22/12A-D).

Criteria for Listing

Architectural Interest

Not listed

Historic Interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Primarily of local interest but not special enough to merit listing.

General Comments

Date of Survey

11 February 1999