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This page is designed as a fishing trip for information. Born and raised at Priding in the 1940’s Framilode Mill was a ghost of a previous lost industry which served the area for around 100 years from the 1840’s until the 1940’s. Research over a long period has drawn so little information that it failed to exist although exist it did as a steam powered corn mill run by two generations of the Ayliffe Family
Assumption: It is believed the mill was constructed in the 1840’s as a formidable industrial unit as an extension of trade carried out by the landlord of the Passage Inn ( The Passage Inn predates the construction of the Darell Arms Inn on the same site) who milled apples for cider making. The Builder or Owner of the mill is uncertain but could not have been James Ayliffe who was born in 1833 and did not take over untill much later.
Assumption Two: It is known the mill was steam powered although the maker of the power plant is unknown and its disposal is not recorded. On the South side of the property is a Mill Pond which must have been the reservoir for the plant. Photographs of the period clearly depict the Mill chimney which was thought to have been demolished in the late 1930’s
Assumption Three: Although Thomas Ayliffe the last Miller at Framilode died in 1949 it is assumed he ceased trading in the mid- late 1930’s
Fact: For a period of time Ayliffe operated a trow “Irene” ( not to be confused with the Ketch “Irene” which is still in existence). Fact: Mr Fellows of Framilode Passage (Derek’s father) worked for Ayliffe for many years .
Framilode steam mill known as Ayliffe’s mill at Framilode Passage taken 1972. It used to have a beam engine in the left hand side with a factory chimney to the rear. There was a boiler house on the far end which was demolished. Built about 1840. There were 4 stands of stones. Two were sold to Fromebridge Mill. The other two are still there along with the gear chest. The mill had its own jetty on the river for barges. Kevin Benn
Framilode Mill is to the Centre Left of the picture with a structure on the River Bank between the two sail boats. The hut housed a crane used for offloading barges for the Mill.
Motive Power: It is known from the mid 1800’s Framilode Mill was steam powered and the popular industrial engine of the period was a beam engine. I am unable to trace any documentation for the provision, operation or disposal of the engine from Framilode Mill. Any information would be welcomed.
Assumption: “Irene” built as a trow (“D” Stern) but has no rigging and as such was a dumb barge so was always towed. It is recorded that Ayliffe bought grain from Avonmouth…..So, here she is in Framilode Basin, loaded for the Mill, HOW? Towed up river to Sharpness, towed up the canal to Saul, bow hauled down to Framilode either by manpower or mule. Then just after high water, in the slack, gently roped down to the Mill. …. Better idea’s welcomed!
Help Please, Any detailed information regarding the history of Framilode Mill usable on this site would be welcomed. Thanks to Kevin Benn for his contribution.
Please email: hectorshouse998@gmail.com with any details of Framilode Mill