Tellisford Mill, watermill in Somerset, England
Tellisford Mill is a watermill on the River Frome in Somerset that dates back to Saxon times, originally grinding grain and later processing textiles for the community. The sturdy stone building with its old water channels now houses a modern Kaplan turbine, generating electricity from the river's flow since 2007.
The mill was established in Saxon times and served for centuries grinding grain and later processing textiles for the region. After lying dormant from 1912, it was purchased in 2002 and restored by 2007 with a hydroelectric turbine to generate renewable energy.
The mill reflects local history, showing how the community relied on water power for different tasks across generations. It was woven into daily life, helping farmers and craftspeople with their work.
The site is easy to reach on foot from the village and works well for a calm visit, especially during daylight when you can see the water flowing. Parking is available nearby and the paths to the mill are well-trodden.
The mill houses a rare German-made Kaplan turbine by Ossberger that efficiently generates power from the river, bridging engineering and history in an unexpected way. This specialized turbine replaced an older Francis model and shows how historic structures can be adapted for modern purposes.
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