Coxes lock

Coxes Lock is part of the Wey and Godalming Navigations which is part of the Navigable parts of the River Wey, which runs through Surrey. Some parts of the navigation are canal sections and others are the original River Wey which intertwines with the canal sections.

History

Coxes Lock was built between 1651 and 1653, as part of an important link to transport heavy goods between London and Guildford. The Lock contains a stone inscribed "Built 1770" when improvements where made to the locks construction. Coxes Lock is the deepest unmanned lock on the Navigation with a rise of 8 ft 6in (2.59m) - and is 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from the Thames.

It wasn't until 1776 when an ironmaster recognised the potential the site offered and started to build his iron mill which became known as Coxes Lock Mill.

Coxes Locks Mill's and Mill Pond

It is generally regarded as industrially the most significant mill on the Wey, its importance reflected perhaps by the fact that it was not to finally close until 8 April 1983, making it the last commercially operated mill on the Wey Navigation.

The Mill was powered by the waterwheel, drawing its power from the mill pond. The huge mill pond was dug to overcome fluctuating water levels caused by the operation of the lock alongside with a cill at the entrances to the Navigation to prevent any back-flow when the river levels drop. Drawing water from the river as the mill expanded soon ensured that this would become a contentious issue between the mill and the barge owners. The pond was constructed without seeking agreement with the Navigation Commissioners.

In 1808 the lease of the mills was passed from Alexander Raby, an ironmaster from South Wales, to one John Bunn who converted the mill to flour in the 1830s. Mill owners were well versed in having to change usage in order to survive, and Coxes Mill was no different. The mill was even used for silk weaving for a short period, although the venture was unsuccessful.

With the advent of new technology at the end of the 19th century Coxes was financially strong enough to invest, and unlike many of its contemporaries further upstream went from strength to strength. The mill was rebuilt in 1901 and extended in 1906, becoming one of the most important industrial buildings in the country at the time. New machinery technology saw the demise of waterpower at the mill when power sources switched at first to steam, and then finally to electricity. By the mid 1960s a huge great wheat silo standing at 137 ft (42m) had been constructed, with a further flour silo erected in 1969.

The mill joined with Allied Mills' 21 other mills in the country, and by this stage was producing an impressive 60 tonnes of flour each day.

Recent developments

Since the closure of the Mills in 1983, and the ceasing of commercial traffic, the navigation was donated to the National Trust. The three mill buildings, have been listed for preservation under a Grade II category, was converted to residential use after its closure, and now houses a considerable community of apartment dwellers who have been attracted by the idyllic setting next to the lock and large mill pond with its abundant wildlife. The complex also boasts a private residents-only gym and swimming pool.

See also

• National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty
• Canals of the United Kingdom
• History of the British canal system

External links

• The National Trust Official Page
• River Wey Community Site