Turnmills

Turnmills, also known as turnpike mills, were a type of industrial mill that played a significant role in the development of the British economy during the 18th and 19th centuries. These mills were typically located along turnpike roads, which were public highways built to facilitate trade and transportation. The turnpike system was established in the early 18th century to improve road infrastructure and reduce the costs of travel for merchants and travelers.

Turnmills were often built by private entrepreneurs who sought to profit from the increased traffic along the turnpike roads. These mills were usually powered by water or wind, and they processed various goods such as grain, textiles, and leather. The mills were typically small-scale operations, but they contributed to the local economy by providing employment and generating revenue.

The turnpike system and the mills that lined its roads were a crucial part of the industrial revolution in Britain. They helped to connect remote areas with markets, facilitating the exchange of goods and ideas. The mills also played a role in the development of local communities, providing jobs and contributing to the growth of towns and villages.

However, the turnpike system also had its critics. Some argued that the tolls charged on the turnpike roads were too high, and that the system was a form of taxation that benefited the wealthy at the expense of the poor. Despite these criticisms, the turnpike system and the mills that lined its roads remained an important part of the British economy for over a century.