A West Cumbrian mill has won a prestigious heritage award.
Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust won the indoors category of the Engaging People Award from the Association for Heritage Interpretation.
AHI’s biennial awards showcase best practice in heritage interpretation across the UK and Ireland.
Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust worked with Minerva Heritage Ltd of Lancaster to support the conservation, preservation and interpretation of the Lake District’s last working water-powered corn mill, in a £1million restoration project funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Copeland Community Fund and other partners.
Paul Pharaoh, chair of trustees at Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust, said: “It’s a tremendous achievement for our great little watermill in Eskdale to have won this national award, against competition from impressive shortlisted submissions by the British Museum, Castell Coch in Wales and Buxton Crescent Heritage Trust.
“Well done to our brilliant interpretation consultants, Minerva Heritage, and all their team. Thank you too to the funders who made the restoration project possible, the consultants and contractors who made it a reality, and our team of volunteers and manager Kate Hughes who keep the mill running.
“If you haven’t been to Eskdale Mill yet we look forward to seeing you over Christmas or next year. If you are interested in volunteering to help, we would love to hear from you – there are opportunities suitable for everyone.”
Bill Bevan, of the AHI, said: “Congratulations to Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust for a very well-deserved recognition.
“The award was given because Eskdale Mill’s team have produced an excellent example of the transformation of an industrial heritage site into a lovely visitor attraction.
“Visitors are presented with engaging and well-considered displays. The stories are thoroughly researched, and clearly and carefully selected to connect the mill to its surrounding agricultural community. To be invited to pass through the mill’s long history is a real delight.”
