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SHIBDEN MILL
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| The first mention by name of the ancient manorial water corn mill that used to stand here, is to be found in the Court Rolls of the town of Wakefield, West Yorkshire, under the date of Tuesday after the feast of St Nicholas (December 6th) in the second year of King Edward II (1308) The mill is stated to have once belonged to William of Adderigate (now Addersgate) and Simon of the Dene, at the rent of 53 shillings and 4 pennies per annum. The name Shibden was formerly spelled Chepedene, this was not a common spelling, the more usual being Schepedene. it is curious to note that the Court Rolls inform us that the nameChippendale is derived from Schipdendale. | ||
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There is no mention in the records of a public house at this time, the building was still used as a corn mill. In 1845 Messers Thomas and George Bottomley used the building as a worsted spinning mill, their equipment was insured for £1,500 with their stock for a further £1,500. Thomas Bottomley died in 1854 and his brother George became sole lessee. The rent paid for the premises at this time was £163 and 14 shillings per year. In 1859 the mill burnt down and George Bottomley died six years later in 1865. On August 5th 1890 the mill was sold to Halifax brewers "Websters", at this time it became a public house and the first landlord was a Mr E.C Sutherland Walker | |
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Shortly afterwards, the original mill pond which helped power the mill, was drained and filled in, possibly so as to prevent any water leaking into the coal mines in the area. This is now used as parking for the Inn. Today,although the use has changed, the Shibden Mill Inn is once again a bustling and thriving centre of activity. "The mill wheel has long since been silent, the townsmen no longer meet here to lay down their rates and make asssesments. The old order has changed and what was once a central place of business, is now one of pleasure, beer and boats." |
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