Millstone and Grindstone Production in the Pennines and North-west England: A Historical and Archaeological Survey

ABSTRACT A survey of millstone and grindstone production sites in the western Pennines of north-west England has identified 54 sites. Combining archival research with field survey, the production of millstone roughouts was identified at varying scales at each site, with evidence for the production of grindstones and edge runners apparent at several of the sites. Very few of these production sites have received attention from past researchers and some were previously unrecorded. The survey has enabled a detailed picture to be compiled of production methods, sales and transportation of roughouts from the medieval period to the early 20th century. Various case studies are used to illustrate the nature of this lost rural industry.