Buck Mill, Stoke Trister, Somerset - Archaeological Evaluation and Assessment of Results

Wessex Archaeology

An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by to investigate the site of a watermill recorded in Domesday Book (1086). The programme of works also investigated the standing remains of a post-medieval mill building and earthworks indicative of water management.

The evaluation trenches within the standing remains of the post-medieval mill identified particular zones of activity, both domestic and industrial. The probable kitchen and living quarters of the mill were revealed, as was the meal floor, the cog pit and the wheel pit, with remains of the iron water wheel still in situ. Documentary
references suggest that this mill was built in the mid-16th century, and the finds evidence supports this date, although most closely datable finds are 17th century or later in date.

The post-medieval mill appears to have been sufficiently successful and profitable to implement new technology when available. The mill had changed from using a wide, breast-shot wheel to a more efficient overshot iron wheel - this was evident from the narrowing of the original wheel pit, the infilling of the original launder opening and the elevation of the launder to create an overshot water feed.