Archenfield Archaeology Ltd

Royal Worcester Porcelain

Albion Flour Mill - the buildings

by John Van Laun

Introduction

A previous building assessment by Oxford Archaeology divided the buildings of the Albion Mill complex by alphabetical order.  That order (buildings A-N - see right) is used here.

The buildings in blue are the original with the additions in green and buildings to be demolished in beige.

The south-east, canal, front of Albion Mill

The sequence of blocks is from left to right – A, B, C, D and E.  Block I is the single-storey building to the front of Blocks D and E.

The Mill Street front (Blocks F, G and H) lies around 2 metres above the ground levels of Blocks A, B, C, D, E and K.  Basements were therefore built into Blocks F and H facing the other blocks. Block F is to the right on Mill Street with Blocks C and D to the left

General layout and phasing

Phase 1

A Public Board of Health plan of 1867 shows Blocks B, C, F, H and K.  Block B was occupied by the steam engine and boiler(s).  Blocks F and H form the original front onto Mill Street, while Block G came later.  They are, in plan and general build, a matching pair, but they differ in function (see under Block F and Block H below). Blocks C and K form a ‘T’, with K as the main mill building and C fronting onto the canal. Block K was joined to Mill Street by an underpass which ran into an open paved area which now forms the ground floor of Block G.  Beneath this the area was divided into basements – these could have been used for storage but their principal purpose was to reduce weight from the arched haunches of the underpass.  The surviving continuous bull-nose soffit and cast-iron guttering can be traced around Blocks C and K except for the north-east and south-west façades where it would have disfigured them.  The soffit and guttering can still be followed through the insides of Block B (showing that this was originally of a lower build) and Blocks D and E (confirming that these were a later addition).  At the north-east of Block K is a modern steel staircase and this probably occupies the original stairwell which gave access to the upper floors 

The hexagonal chimney stack can be clearly seen on this 1884 OS 1:500 plan where it lies at the north end of Block B.  This suggests that the boiler(s) were contained on the side which faced south-west where coal could be offloaded from the canal.   This would have also placed the drive from the engine in direct contact with the mill (Block K).  There also appears to have been a small building adjoining the stack and Block K close to where a large chamfered external opening now survives at the south-west end of Block K.  This could well have led to an external staircase contained by this small projection.   Where Blocks D and E now stand was a small building adjoining Block K and between Blocks C and F.   This was probably a low-rise structure but might have been another jury for lifting goods to the upper floors.  The yard to the north has a circular feature towards its centre suggestive of a flowerbed.  On the site of Block M (and possibly part of N) there was already a building.

Phase 2a

The transition within phases 2 are unclear but a number of changes inside the complex were seen as attempts were made to provide extra space within the existing main block curtilage. 

In 1884 the layout of the mill was the same as in phase 1 but with some extension in the area which would later become part of Block D.

Proposed changes tie in with the time that the three Townsend brothers took over the mill.  By 1889 plans were drawn up to build Blocks E, D and G and to heighten Block K. These were not fully achieved for some years, but Blocks E and D were built with a flat roof and open basement onto the canal. Block K was heightened with a flat roof added onto part of the south-eastern half above the roof ties.  Block C acquired a clerestory roof which ran into Block K above the eaves giving access to the flat-roofed area.  Three wooden-clad accretions were also added to Block C – two on the canal the side and one in the area where Block I was later built.  These would have contained juries for lifting and lowering grain into boats. 

Phase 2b

Although Block G was planned in 1889 it was not completed until after the other phase 2a additions.  At this time Block D was heightened.  Block G was eventually built over the existing underpass from K and paved area between Blocks F and H.   This probably occurred in two stages.  For instance there are two styles.  The area over the underpass (not the front onto Mill Street) has similar characteristics to the older part of the mill, with dentils and a flat-headed window (as found in Blocks C and K) along the line joining  Blocks K and H (running towards the Mill Street front).  The other side of Block G (south-east) and the front are of the second style and consistent with that found in Blocks D and E.  The alternatives for this are shown in Figure 6.  A low parapet was run behind the flat roof of Block E into a pediment to lie between Blocks G and F where it followed the line of the Block F gable which was a heightening of the side walls to Block G.  In this way it made a weatherproof join between the two blocks where it was exposed to the south-east.  Furthermore, Block G is not shown in 1903 but is on the 1905 OS plan.

After 1903 Block D was extended upwards by another storey which ran into a gable end.  It was now approximately the height of Block K and the end away from the canal was run into it at right angles.  From the former flat roof upwards, a change of brick can be detected which is similar to that found in the Block G pediment onto Mill Street. 

This 1899 plan of Albion Mill plan shows the hexagonal chimney stack (the open basement to Blocks D and E, the underpass beneath Block G and the addition in the roof area of Block K are shown by crosses).

Plans of 1901 show the intention to build the ‘Granary’.  This six-storey silo was built by 1903 on the site of the two kilns shown in Figures 3 and 4.  This enormous structure was demolished in its entirety at around 1960.  By 1905 Blocks L, M and N were built as a timber store and carpenters’ shop.

Albion Flour Mill in 1902 plan (OS 6 inch to 1 mile)

Phase 3

This phase relates to building work that took place after 1905.  It was in this phase that Block A was built.  By 1889 Block H was intended as an office and the weatherboard accretions (Block J) were probably added soon after 1905, but they are not shown on any plans of that date.  A rectangular area is shown to the left of K.  It also appears on the later 1928 and 1960s OS plans and was possibly a temporary structure related to loading when canal transport began to die out and was replaced by road transport. 

Albion Mill in 1928 (25 inch to 1 mile Worcestershire Sheet series XXXIII.8.NW)

Phase 4

Most of this phase relates to the time when the Royal Porcelain Works took over the site in the 1960s.  Block B appears to have been largely rebuilt with its unsightly canal front, heightened to three floors and an early timber truss was inserted at the upper level.  The area to the front of Blocks D and E (Block I) was also added.  Late in this phase lifts were installed in Blocks A and K (close to the original external staircase) and the stairwell above the underpass rebuilt in steel.  When the chimney stack was demolished, the area formed between Blocks K, B and A was utilised to accommodate the glass-enclosed fire-escape which runs to the full height of Block A.  Sliding fire doors were also inserted in this phase and fire sprinklers installed.  The centrifugal pump for these lies in the basement of Block F.

Albion Mill before the demolition of the Silo (Photo Courtesy of the Albion Mill Inn, Worcester)

Block A lies to the right with its original seven storeys, vents in the roof and crenellated water tower rising up behind.  The chimney stack to the boilers lies to the right and a covered conveyor joins the two.  Grain would have been offloaded through the drop elevator housed in the portico on the left-hand building.

Site and situation

The curtilege of the Albion Flour Mill encloses an area of 0.4 hectares.  Its south-east front is bordered by the Worcester & Birmingham Canal.  On the north-east it fronts onto Mill Street and on the north-west onto Portland Street.  To the south-west it follows the boundary formed by the gardens belonging to Albion Mill Cottages.  The site lies around 250 metres east of Diglis Basin – an assembly point for boats entering and leaving the canal from the River Severn.  Most of the main group (Blocks A, B, C, D and E) border the canal whilst Blocks F, G and H border Mill Street.  Block K (the mill itself) faces north-west onto the open area.  A further group (Blocks L, M and N) border the gardens of Albion Mill Cottages.  The ‘Albion’ Public House lies on the other side of the canal and Albion Mill Cottages adjoin the site along Portland Street. 

The importation of materials does not appear to have been limited to the Flour Mill; storage facilities existed in the basement of Block F and the two lower storeys of Block C.   To allow goods to be taken from the canal to the yard to the north-west of Block K an underpass was built between them.  A gap originally lay between the line made by Blocks F and H and Block K, allowing goods to be taken through it from the canal to the yard beyond.  This facility was maintained by an underpass when Block G was partly built over it. 

The site to the west was, in 1867, occupied by two bottle kilns from the Royal Worcester Porcelain Works.  By 1905 this area was covered by a massive silo which was demolished around 1960

Block G is the pedimented building in the middle of the photograph. Block K lies to the right and Block H to the left.  Block J contains the suspended weatherboard accretions to the front.

Albion Mill from the north-west with Block H to the left

Outline description

Block A

This four-storey rectangular block dates from around 1905 and was built in an English bond as a seven-storey silo.  The exterior is of red brick divided by pilasters for the two upper storeys with shallow-arched windows between, set off with engineering brick facings.  The bottom courses form a podium with engineering brick.  The whole effect of shallow pilasters on the top storeys with a general but light mix of polychrome gives a feeling of substance. 

South-west elevation of Block A with Block B beyond

On the canal front at ground (canal) level there are two recessed arched windows with a Star of David window set between them.  There was no direct access to the canal confirming that grain came from the demolished Silo on the site of the China Kilns.  The top three storeys were destroyed by fire in December 1960 leaving it to be contained under a flat-roof replacement.

Recessed and Star of David windows on the south-east elevation of Block A

On the north-west elevation the building is plain, with toothing for the addition of another building to support the water tower, which was higher than the original seven storeys. Ironically the crenellated water tank was also destroyed in the fire.  At the north-east the block abuts onto Block B with filled window openings from the third storey – the lower two storeys are plain, suggesting that Block B was two storeys high, which would be appropriate for an engine/boiler house.

The block retains the original lights set in wooden glazing bars on the south-west and south-east elevations with some cast-iron sills and some blind windows.  The blocked window openings on the north-east (where they adjoin Block B) could be re-opened to give access in any alterations.  These would also make structural sense.

Left to right: 1903 silo (demolished), engine and boiler in two arched corrugated-iron low rise buildings (Block B), Block C with clerestory,  Blocks D and E with flat roofs.

Albion Mill from Albion Bridge in 1903

Block B

The 1867 and 1884 maps show this as two buildings although it is now only one. Externally (where it fronts onto the canal) this block has little to commend it.  Internally it is only of interest because it contained the engine/boiler(s), and the higher ceiling (two storeys) suggests that it initially contained a beam engine.  However, as it once had a flywheel which was 18 feet in diameter from which 16 x 2 inch ropes were driven, it seems likely that at some date it was a horizontal mill engine similar to the type used by the 1880s in cotton mills, and was probably installed at the time when Percy Townshend was active.  The boiler house and engine houses appear to have been of corrugated iron, which in the 1860s would have been considered ‘state of the art’.   Now one open area, this confirms that it was once occupied by two buildings of a temporary nature which further suggests corrugated iron being used.  It is noticeable that the south-west wall is plain and that the windows for Block A on the north-east elevation start above the original level of B.  The same applies to those on Block C.  The external soffit of Blocks B and K runs along the walls confirming that the original build was below this.  The form of the roof truss on the top floor suggests that this truss was re-used.  If corrugated iron was the original form then the origins of the roof truss are unknown.  Filled sockets equally spaced along the common wall with Block C suggest that these may have held the iron roof..

Block C

This four-storey narrow block is part of the original 1843 mill.  It has a part-Mansard roof formed by the internal roof truss which is similar in form (but not identical) to that on Block K.  The flat part allowed a clerestory to be built on it giving access into Block K.  At the time this was built the roofline was taken down and is evidenced by the change in brickwork on the east east elevation. This may have taken place when the clerestorey was removed in the 1960s.  That Block C was of one build with Block K is confirmed by the soffit and similar guttering, gauged-brick window heads and remnants of casement windows.  Some of these were changed to small panes set in wooden glazing bars – the change was possibly made when the adjoining Blocks D and E were built after 1889.  Both blocks are built in an English garden wall bond.

Externally, between the third and fourth floor, lies the remains of a cast-iron jury.  This appears to be original and would have been used for lifting grain from boats to the upper floor to serve the stone floor on Block K.  The lower floors were probably used as a warehouse with offloading to it from the (then) open area of Blocks E, D and I.  The original opening for the jury is now blocked with an inserted window. 

Blocks D and E

These began life as one block up to the third storey in English bond.  The plans of 1889 and show it was intended to have three windows at each of the first and second floor levels, with doors at the Block C end.  It was to be an integral part of an extension from Block G with the small pediment over the south-east elevation.  The ground floor was originally open where offloading from the canal could take place.  Some goods could either have been taken to the three lower storeys of Block C or run through the underpass to the yard beyond. 

The canal front showing from left to right-Blocks A, B and C

Blocks D and E, Block D lies to the left where it adjoins Block C

The elevations show an alternative higher build.  The open area and two upper storeys were built with a modified pediment over Block F, but above D in particular there was considerable alteration and it was heightened by another floor.  This was given a gable-ended roof at the end running towards the canal and the opposite end was built into the roof of Block K.   Block E remained with its original flat roof above the third storey behind a dentilled parapet.  Hard red-brick was used which contrasts to that for Blocks C and K, but that for the upper part of D the bricks are smaller and similar to that used on Block G.   

Within the upper storey of D can be seen the soffit and guttering of Blocks C and K which continues externally above the flat roof of E to where it runs into Block G.  A stone crow step terminal forms part of the façade of Block K.  Before Block K was hidden by Block G it must have formed an impressive front.

The flat roof of E is in the foreground with the roof of Block G behind and Block K to the left.  Block F lies to the right with the pediment.

The basement of Block F where it overlooks the open space under Block E

Infill to the doors at the first and second storeys at the Block C end show that they were built as planned but later changed to casement windows.  The dentils at the back of Block F are discernable, as well as blocked windows, in the interior of Block E, proving that E post-dates it.  The underpass from the yard emerges into Block E.

Block I

The plans for Blocks D and E shows that these buildings were to be supported by a cast-iron pillar and I-section beam from the ground floor, leaving it open.  That these plans were used is shown by the survival of the supporting pillars (however the beam it supports appears to have been a replacement).  Block I itself is a modern building without apparent merit.  It occupies an area which, at the time when the mill was in operation, was used as an open access area to and from the canal.

From left to right Blocks F, G and H

Block F

This brick building fronts onto Mill Street with the gable end facing the canal.  When block G filled the open space between F and H, building F was extended.  The original building had only two storeys and was built in Flemish bond. 

The ground floor was stables but now has no resemblance to that function internally or externally.  The windows, which were possibly cast-iron as in the first floor, now have three modern replacements. 

The basement (where it overlooks Block E – see Blocks D and E above) has a brick-paved floor with drainage channels and it is possible that this was used for coal storage.  There are three doors leading into the basement.  Two doors next to each other and on the canal side are blocked.  The only open door has an inserted cast-iron lintel.  The original segmental arch and chamfered edge of the sides survive.  There are two open windows either side of this door.  A door has also been inserted on the ground floor and the windows are blocked.

With the Phase 2b construction of Block G, Block F was extended upwards just above the ground floor windows.  The extension is built in an English garden wall bond with a dentil course below the eaves. 

On the first floor there are two reception doors set between windows with engineering brick facings and small lights in cast-iron frames.  The south-east door opens on hinges and has a weather-board and a stone sill.   The other was dropped and raised outwards by an extant internal ratchet winch – thus it would have formed a bridge for offloading wagons.  The supporting hinges are a good example of decorative wrought-iron work.  The doorframes also contain some initials carved by workmen whilst idling time.  There is a dentil course which also runs through the inside of Block E.  The roof truss is of pine with Queen-posts.

The additional floor to the building gives a more coherent balance with Block H, with the centrally-placed Block G between the two.  Building F was part of the original mill and had an industrial purpose as a stable and possible loft.

Block G

This lies between Blocks F and H and was built around 1905 in an English bond and forming an extension from Block K to Mill Street which it fronts with a pediment – this has crow steps at the ends.  A further pediment runs across the gable-end of Block F as a continuation above the flat roof of Block E.  This feature avoided the necessity of running a continuation of Block F into Block G – see Block D and E above.  As already noted Block G appears to have been built in two stages – with a dentil eave and flat-arched window between the underpass and Block H and the Mill Street front added later.  Three cast-iron framed windows with engineering brick facings and cast-iron sills lie beneath the Mill Street pediment which has a glazed oculus and a now heavily weathered sandstone plaque which can just be discerned as reading ‘[T…..  S.] TOWNSHEND [& SONS]/ALBION FLOUR MILL’.  The ground floor front is greatly disfigured by a replacement sliding door, but the side walls which contain it are the original build of engineering brick set-off with stone blocks above – this suggests the opening was the full width between the walls.   A door, which is partly integrated into Block H, lies on the north side giving access to G and beyond towards the underpass.

The front of Block G with the stone plaque lying beneath the oculus

There are a number of internal features of interest.  At ground level are the blue limestone sets showing that this was the reception area, probably dating from the original mill when it formed an open forecourt to Block K.  This only runs up to the area above the underpass where it has been replaced by a concrete floor.  At a later stage the ceiling to this area was cut through to make a hatch for lowering goods to the third floor (this relates to the 1903 account that vans were loaded in an open area – presumably this continued after the building of G).  The first floor is partly suspended by four pairs of wrought-iron hangers with adjustable screw joiners.  These were fixed at their upper ends to the joists of the floor above and passed down into the joists of the floor below (ground) and then fixed through them.  The joists of the first floor are closely spaced indicating the heavy loads it had to bear over a large area.  The roof truss at the pediment end is of particularly interest having Queen-post trusses reinforced by extra wood bracing at the pediment end and wrought-iron suspension ties which pass up from the floor below.

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