On his way downstairs, Mr Monkey inspected the mighty oak beams that held the roof and the machinery in position. All the structural woodwork is held together with wooden pegs, and it has to be strong because the roof weighs 200 tons. Downstairs, Mr Monkey inspected the great spur wheel, fixed onto an octagonal main shaft and powered by the lower waterwheel. All the machinery in the mill was restored at the end of the 1960s by Dr Cyril T. G. Boucher*, and Mr Monkey inspected the wooden plaque commemorating the restoration.
* Dr Boucher also repaired Marple aqueduct and the Marple locks, which Mr Monkey saw when he walked the Peak Forest canal from Romiley.
Return to Mr Monkey at Nether Alderley Mill
Copyright Rik Shepherd and Mr Monkey. This page last modified 15 June 2007