watermill

A watermill is a mill powered by a water wheel or turbine. It uses hydropower from a flowing water source to drive machinery for processing such as grain, wood, or textiles.

Mechanism: Water is directed from a river or channel to the wheel by a headrace. The wheel, which may be overshot, undershot, or breastshot, turns a shaft connected to gears that drive millstones or other equipment. Water then exits through a tailrace.

Types and components: Overshot wheels obtain energy from water delivered above the wheel; undershot wheels are driven by water at the wheel’s rim; breastshot wheels engage water near the middle. A typical setup uses a vertical shaft with gear trains to rotate the millstones, or to power saw blades or textile rollers.

History: Water-powered mills were used in ancient Greece and Rome and became widespread in medieval Europe. They contributed to grain production, timber processing, and textile manufacture. With the advent of steam and electricity in the 19th and 20th centuries, many mills declined, though some continued in rural areas and others were repurposed.

Modern context: Some watermills survive as heritage sites or operate as working demonstrations. Small hydropower installations also adapt waterwheel or turbine systems to generate electricity, reflecting ongoing interest in renewable energy and historical technology.