Listing Text

In the entry for:

REDRUTH TOLGUS PLACE
SW 64 SE
(west side)
5/311 Sara's Foundry, Town Mill

the grade shall be amended to read: Grade II* (star)

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REDRUTH TOLGUS PLACE
SW 64 SE
(west side)
5/311
Sara's Foundry, Town Mill
GV II
Iron foundry and engineering works. C19 and C20, with earlier core. Some
coursed granite rubble, but mostly corrugated sheet cladding on timber framing;
roof damaged. The earliest part is the former corn mill, a small rectangular
stone structure at the west corner, built into the bank below the goit, with a
small water wheel attached to its west (or rear) wall; the north side wall
continues to the east, with 2 larger water wheels, one 16 feet in diameter and
the other 32 feet (this dismantled at time of survey 1988, following storm
damage). The exterior of the rest of the building, which covers an approximately
rectangular area, is of less interest than the internal plant and machinery: this
includes reduction gearing for generators, a diesel engine, belt drives, timber
cranes, a 40-foot lathe (apparently manufactured on site), massive pillar drills,
shaping machines, etc., together with rock-drills made by the foundry, and a
very large quantity of associated tools. Although rusted by disuse, most of this
equipment is basically in the same working order as it was when work ceased 20
years ago, and some items are believed to be rare survivals. History: original
corn mill known as Town's Mill; foundry believed to have been established by
Sara brothers c.1850.
Forms group with associated dwelling, Foundry House (q.v.).

Listing NGR: SW6914142586