Screen Archive South East is a public sector moving image archive serving the South East of England. The archive's collections of magic lantern slides, films, videos and associated materials capture the many varied aspects of life, work and creativity from the early days of screen history to the present day and serve as a rich and invaluable historical resource.
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Dressing a millstone, Stevington Windmill and Three Locks at Pitstone
Traditional crafts and country landmarks star in this short film about a bygone Britain
From the collection of:
Overview
We open with a rural craftsman using a 'mill bill' in a wooden handle, called a 'thrift' to cut a harp-shaped pattern into a large undressed millstone. At least he is wearing eye protection. We then see the windmill at Stevington from various angles before visiting the Grand Union Canal at Three Locks. After a variety of boats pass by we end the film with views of the 17th century Pitstone Mill.
Both Stevington and Pitstone mills, which feature in this film, are 'post' mills meaning they are built around a central upright post, enabling the entire structure to be rotated into the wind for maximum efficiency. Stevington Mill dates from 1770 and is more or less intact, though it last worked commercially in 1936. Pitstone Mill is even older and dates from at least 1627, the earliest recorded date carved into its wookwork. It served its community for three centuries until it was severely damaged in a severe storm in 1902. Both mills are open to the public.
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