There’s a great new attraction at Sacrewell near Wansford, set to draw in tourists from far afield this summer, with the opening of the newly restored watermill.
The completion of the £1.8m project to restore and conserve the watermill has transformed it into a leading visitor attraction and is a huge addition to the great family day out that Sacrewell offers.
Thanks to grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the William Scott Abbott Trust, which runs Sacrewell, the building is looking fantastic with great new signage and information boards, all clearly telling you the story and history of this piece of local heritage.
The building dates back to 1755 but there has been a mill at Sacrewell since Roman times and it’s thought Sacrewell is one of three mills listed in the Domesday Book.
The interpretation throughout the mill tells the story of Sacrewell through characters such as the mill itself, the miller, the apprentice and the baker.
The mill house will be interpreted through the Land Army Girls who lived and worked there during the Second World War.
Mill project officer Jane Harrison says it’ll be a huge boost to the community.
“We have been incredibly fortunate to meet and interview the people who lived and worked at Sacrewell before the mill closed commercially in the 1960s,” she explained.
“Using their stories and our own knowledge through the Trust’s archives, we have brought the mill back to life.”
Sacrewell will now be heavily relying on the skills of people in the community as volunteers, who will be gardening, wearing period costume and maintaining the 18th century grade II* building.
This new addition is a geat boost to Sacrewell which has plenty to keep the kids amused over the holidays with the chance to pet and interact with the animals, try a tractor ride, or even watch the ‘Lamb National’ in between having fun in the Play Barn or the outdoor play park.
Make sure you pop down and take a look – find out more about all the latest news and special events on www.sacrewell.org.uk
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