Water Power and Watermills: an Historical Guide

The sight of the watermill is evocative of rural Britain - the wheel turning gently to grind corn. However, that is only part of the story of the harnessing of the power of water, a story that extends back 2000 years and is still far from over, as this invaluable book shows. Examines the first watermills in Britain, which were introduced by the Romans, the medieval mill and the technology of water power, including the size and efficiency of water wheels, dams, weirs and watercourses Covers flour milling before the Industrial Revolution and the early industrial uses of water power Analyses the use of water power during the Industrial Revolution with reference to the cotton, woolen and linen industries and transport Considers the technological developments associated with water power, flour milling in the industrial economy, water power on the farm and the impact of water power on the landscapes of rivers and streams Discusses the emergence of steam power, the resultant decline in water power, the development of hydro-electricity and tidal power, and the potential water power has to help provide a green future AUTHOR: Jonathan Brown studied history at Manchester University and then went on to complete a PhD on late nineteenth century farming in Lincolnshire. He has written numerous books and articles on various aspects of British agricultural history and worked for many years at the University of Reading's Museum of English Rural Life. Jonathan is the author of the highly acclaimed Steam on the Farm-A History of Agricultural Steam Engines 1800-1950. SELLING POINTS: -Examines the development of the exploitation of water power, its many different uses, and the way in which the technology of water power has changed over two millennia -Will be of great interest to all those who wish to gain an understanding of the tremendous importance that water power has played in economic and social development ILLUSTRATIONS 163 colour photographs