Report by Faye, web producer
Warwick Castle's mill and engine house was officially launched at the end of April 2002. I went along to see what the new attraction adds to a day at the castle.
The £2 million restoration
Twelve years ago, the mill was saved from complete dereliction with a basic repair project, involving divers and architects.
The divers discovered the mill was being sucked into a three-metre hole in the river bed, creating dangerous erosion. Emergency repairs were needed to save the mill.
 It opens up a new aspect for visitors to see the castle. The south face was out of bounds before but now visitors can get a new perspective across the river.
 | Ìý | Alison Hartin, from Warwick Castle
|
Over the past 18 months the project has intensified into one of the grandest restorations the castle has ever seen.
The mill is now a recreation of how it was in 1894, when the Earl of Warwick had the flour mill converted to provide the castle with electricity.
Alison Hartin, from Warwick Castle, said:
"We're delighted with the mill. It's a fantastic addition to the castle.
| Ìý |  | View of Warwick Castle
|
"It opens up a new aspect for visitors to see the castle. The south face was out of bounds before but now visitors can get a new perspective across the river.
"It also adds to the social story of the castle. Inside you see the finery and the staterooms and now outside you see another side of the story."
A stunning building to visit
The mill is in a stunning location on the River Avon, just beside the main castle. It is a solid stone structure with a huge working waterwheel that has been beautifully restored.
Inside the mill open viewing areas, glass and grills all ensure visitors get an excellent view of the machinery and the river rushing under your feet.
The roar of the water is as dramatic as the machinery and together they create a tense atmosphere. Along with the smell of the oiled machines, it's an experience that fills your senses.
Bringing history to life
| Ìý |  | Harry Gollings, one of the Victorian-style Mill workers
|
To soften the experience, Warwick Castle has brought the mill to life with costumed Victorian mill-workers.
The men demonstrate the machinery, producing electricity before your eyes.
Apparently it's a very popular job as there are many people with a passion for these well-oiled antique machines.
We're very keen on bringing history to life and so we're happy the mill adds to this. It adds a social and technical story of the mill and the people that worked here and the effect electricity had on the life in the castle.
| Ìý | Alison Hartin
|
It's hard to believe it was as popular when the mill was the sole provider of the castle's electricity. The demonstration shows just how complicated and demanding a task it was.
Although the mill is still capable of the 100 watts it used to provide to the castle, it is now being restricted for safety reasons.
In 1900 the castle boasted an impressive 475 light bulbs but, of course, Victorian ideas of safety do not conform to modern standards.
Alison explained why the mill is an important part of a visit to the castle:
| Ìý |  | The Castle's Great Hall
|
"We're very keen on bringing history to life and so we're happy the mill adds to this. It adds a social and technical story to the castle. That is, the story of the mill and the people that worked here and the effect electricity had on the life in the castle.
"It changed the way the family could entertain and live. Having the mill as part of the visit completes the picture."
The role of eels at the castle
| Ìý |  | Bernie Hall, eel fisherman at the Mill launch
|
The mill also incorporates an eel trap, which would have been important for providing the castle with the fresh delicacy. It was one of the mill worker's duties to set and empty the traps, taking the catch to the castle kitchens.
There were eels at the castle to celebrate the launch of the Mill and Engine House, both live and jellied.
| Ìý |  | Visitors at the launch get to grips with the eels
|
Sarah French, from Warwick Castle told me:
"We thought it would be good to have jellied eel at the launch, but having just met one face-to-face I'm really not sure now!"
I also declined the offer of tasting the eel and left handing the live creatures to braver visitors.
Visiting details
The Mill and Engine House is now open as part of Warwick Castle. The castle is open every day (except Christmas Day), 10am - 6pm April to September, 10am - 5pm October to March.
Adult tickets range from £10.57 - £13.00, children's tickets range from £6.55 - £7.60 and family tickets are around £30. There are reductions for seniors and students.
| 
