| Description | Identification of medieval references, and some of 1586 and 1609, in the parish register (Otley) to 'Pool Mill', with the site described here is conjectural. The names 'Mill Dam' (at above grid ref.), Milthorpe Field and 'Mill Busk Scar' all occur within small area (except Milthorpe Field?) between the northwest side of Pool village and River Wharfe. ‘Poole Mill (corn)’ is also marked on the 1st edition OS 6' to 1 mile series map of 1848 at this location.
The area is approached today via 'Mill Lane'. Old Mill House, Pond and an earthwork are marked on the modern 1:2500 O.S. map. Ongoing landscaping works by Pool in Wharfedale Recreation Ground Management Committee resulted in field visit by WYAS, which revealed intact headrace and partially intact pentrough, south wall of mill, wheel pit, suspension wheel and foundations of mill. WYAS has made recommendations concerning necessary archaeological work attendant upon further landscaping/ structural work. (N. B. Do not confuse with refs. to the old paper mill site on west side of Pool (PRN 1407) nor with possible earlier mills further upstream in Pool. The site would warrant preservation in situ. |