Construction of the Kentmere Reservoir must have helped to maintain steady and consistent working of the mill. The waterwheel was replaced in 1902 by a succession of turbines.

The upstairs rooms were a drying area and the bobbin loft where the turned bobbins were placed in a revolving slatted drum, (so that shavings could fall through), with large lumps of beeswax to polish.

With the decline of the cotton spinning industry and strong competition from other countries making bobbins from cheaper wood supplies and labour this woodmill continued to prosper changing to the ‘handle’ trade, hammers, brooms etc.. The loft was still in use until the 1980’s. At it's height the mill probably employed 200 workers. Today no longer a working Mill there are a similar number employed in the numerous businesses on site.

With the present landlord, the third generation of the family to run the mill site, the yard is changing but still prospering in other ways. Our cafe tables and many other fittings were made ‘on site’, as is the bread we use. We are looking forward to the further development of the Wood Mill!