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David Nicholls (Millwright) Collection
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Research materials, photocopies and clippings

Stored with Nicholl's formal reports and correspondence on Morgan Lewis Sugar Mill these research materials comprise:
(1) a photocopy of a late 18th c. to early 19th c return listing enslaved persons working on Scawen Kenrick Gibbon's estate, the Morgan Lewis sugar plantation.
(2) a faxed copy of a page from a late 19th c. order book showing an order for "Morgan Lewis, Est Barbados" for two "vertical roll 23 ¼ x 35" in 1880 and 1881 and an order for "Windmill gear" dated 1892.
(3) a short booklet on the Morgan Lewis Sugar Windmill produced by the Barbados National Trust (undated).
(4) 4 editions of "Our Heritage", the Newsletter of the Barbados National Trust (March 1994, September 1995, June 1996 and September 1997) all of which referencing the Morgan Lewis restoration programme.
(5) 3 newspaper/magazine clippings/copies relating to the progress of the Morgan Lewis restoration programme (1997-1998).

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report and correspondence - Moulin de Griffet

Letters between Nicholls and Cillian de Buitlear concerning the latter's plans to restore Moulin de Griffet, nr. Pleugriffet, Brittany and Nicholls subsequent visit on 18 July 2003.
Nicholls 8-page report (of which there is also a first draft marked, "keep") notes the mill's location and history before recording the condition of its structure and machinery, noting that the "waterwheel is a lovely regional example of good French millwrighting practice". He concludes that "it would be nice to retain the wheel and primary machinery for posterity", but that there was no commercial milling future in the property, recommending conversion to residential use for the bulk of its space. Consultation with local (French) mill groups is recommended.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

David Nicholls (Millwright) Collection

  • NICH
  • Collection
  • 1960s - 2016

Photographs, negatives, reports and research notes on UK wind and watermills. Photographs and research material on sugar mills in the Caribbean by David Nicholls and Cyril McCoombe. Micro tapes of conversations with mill workers in Barbados. [3.3.1 To be completed]

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Reports - Kilcott Watermill

Multiple documentation on the condition of Kilcott Watermill including:
(1) A partial copy of a letter from the mill's then owner, W. Medlam, to SPAB requesting advice on prioritisation of repairs at the mill (23 May 1966) and Ken Major's response (12 July 1966) referring to an enclosed report. A full report is not attached to the copy letter but 4 pages rehearsing the mill's incidental history and an extract of repair priorities is attached.
(2) A 13-page report on the condition of Kilcott Mill by Ken Major (undated [July 1966?]) with suggested repairs and their priorities together with a cost estimate.
(3) A 4-page report on the condition of Kilcott Mill by Ken Major (November 1995), the mill being noted as Grade II Listed.
(4) David Nicholl's 16-page report to owners, Mr and Mrs Hayes, detailing the mill's location, history, watercourse, structure, machinery and waterwheel, the latter's condition being assessed as 'fair, considering the age (175 years)' and giving recommendations for the mill's future use and repair. Broad budget costings are also provided.
(5) A stapled bundle of papers relating to Kilcott Watermill which includes extracted pages from Nicholl's report (see (4) above) and 8 photocopied pages of annotated photographs of the mill's interior indicating areas of concern.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Technical drawings and images - Madingley Post Mill

(1) Two technical drawings (A1 size) for the restoration of Madingley Post Mill prepared for Mr and Mrs Mortlock by Nicholls/the Chiltern Partnership, one of which stamped as approved by South Cambridgeshire DC planning department on 5 June 1995.
(2) 3 sheets of Nicholl's manuscript notes, measurement and drawings (A3 size).
(3) A photocopy of two images taken in 1935, one of the site of Madingley Post Mill and the other of Ellington Post Mill. These were sent to Nicholls by [Wm Todd], English Heritage, on 5 May 1993, and come from the National Monuments Record. Also attached, a photocopy of a 1974 image of a Post Mill marked 'Rex Wailes 29.10.74'.
(4) 4 sheets of photocopied images of Ellington Post Mill ranging in date from 1916 to 1922.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Notebook

Nicholl's foolscap notebook containing:
(1) 56 double-sided pages of dated notes, drawings, and measurements of the wind and watermills listed at "Place access points below".
(2) A newspaper clipping from the mid 1980s reporting on Millwrights International Limited's work on the restoration and removal of a Chiseldon tower mill to Windmill Hill Business Centre, Swindon.
(3) A photocopied newspaper clipping from [the Telegraph] reporting on the restoration of Mapledurham Watermill, also referencing Nicholl's concern about the future milling machinery at Rhydlydan Watermill, Wales.
(3) Further notes, contacts, addresses and potential suppliers of materials are listed on the last 6 pages of the notebook.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Bocking Windmill

Two reports by Nicholl's co-director, Chris Wallis, on Bocking Windmill, Braintree marked "DON Purely for General Background Information".
(1) Six page manuscript report (pages 1 to 9). Details the condition of the mill with a recommendation that preliminary work is carried out to expose hidden timbers allowing their condition to be assessed, a complete dimensions survey to be taken and a priced bill of quantities to be drawn up. The cost of this preliminary work (including the removal of the sails and stock) is £600.
(2) Four pages of drawings and measurements (pages 10 to 14) for works to improve the mill's stability. Includes drawings for a steel beam support to the mill's broken shears as well as for a cranked beam.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Little Hadham

(1) One page report by Rex Wailes on Little Hadham smock mill (18 June 1979) referencing "good photographs of the mill herself and a close up of her sails" . The report supports the restoration of the mill as a piece of history "in the solid" as well as advocating for the need for public access to it. Ongoing maintenance is advised, Wailes offering to assist further on the fitting of lightening conductors, "if Mr Nicholls has not already advised on this matter".
(2) Two black and white photographs of the mill (undated, but possibly those referred to by Wailes at (1) above).
(3) Nicholl's draft report (9 pages, double-sided manuscript notes and measurements).
(4) Photocopied pages from "English Windmills, Vol.2", Smith, D. (1932), Architectural Press, pp. 110-114.
(5) Nicholl's 13 page report for Millwrights International Limited to the mill's owner, A.H. Edwards, marked "Confidential". Contains a detailed report on the mill's condition together with a four-stage repair proposal and costings totalling approx. £115,000 (Nicholls adding that even a modified programme of works could not restore the mill for less than £70,000). Help with applications for grant aid is offered, Nicholls commenting that the mill, "is far too important a building to lose".

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report and correspondence - South Ockendon

(1) 14 page report on South Ockendon Smock Mill to Associated Portland Cement Manufacturers Limited (APCM), prepared by Nicholls for Jameson Marshall Limited in November 1976. The report covers the mill's history, condition, proposed works for its repair and an estimate of costs (£69,980). Suggestions are made regarding the mill's ongoing upkeep after restoration and queries whether it should be handed over to Essex County Council, "one of the most advanced counties in respect of conservation of mills".
(2) Covering letter for the report from Nicholls to APCM (10 November 1976).
(3) Letter from Nicholls to Monica Dance (SPAB) requesting a letter of support for the restoration project be sent to the board of APCM.
(4) Revised costs for immediate essential works to safeguard structure and a reduced schedule and specification for the main repairs (13 June 1977).
(5) Copy letter from the County Planner, Essex County Council to the Historic Building Council referencing a reduced specification and estimate for the repair work (£46,000) and soliciting support for grant aid under the Historic Buildings and Ancient Monuments Act 1953 (20 June 1977).

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Images - Wilton Windmill

32 colour slides in a Kodak slide box labelled, "1974. Wilton - original dismantling etc" and "Wilton inc. D. Ogdens". There are 19 Fujichrome slides and 13 Gaf slides. Two of the three prints are of D.Ogden's slides. [The third print is perhaps from a missing slide]. All three prints were in a wallet labelled, "Wilton c. 1973. (Dismantling) (Ogden)".

Ogden, Derek, millwright

Report - Stowell Mill

(1) The main content of the file is Nicholl's report on Stowell Mill following an inspection on 15 March 1988. The report is addressed to the Agent for the mill's owner, Lord Vesty, and covers the overall condition of the mill, gives recommendations for the future of the mill and provides an estimated costing to get the mill functioning again (£26,700), speculating on the possibility of the availability of grant aid for the project. Nicholls advises that whilst income from tourism and/or milling were possible it would be "unfair to lease it to anyone wishing to obtain a reasonable living from milling operations". Speciality milling on a seasonal basis is given as one of several alternative uses suggested.
(2) Nicholl's invoice for the survey and report preparation (£180).
(3) Nicholl's cover letter for the report, referencing his and Dan Miles resignation as directors of Millwrights International Limited.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Nancledra Watermill

Report addressed to Mr and Mrs John Barker following an inspection on 20/21 March 1986. The report gives a history of the mill, discusses the condition of its structure, machinery, water courses and controls and makes proposals for their repair/restoration to milling order. Consideration is also given to whether the restored mill could sustain a small scale commercial milling operation and generate sufficient interest for a visiting public The budget costings provided (£32,790) include provision for a visitor reception area.

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Six Mile Bottom Post Mill

A co-authored Millwrights International Limited report for East Cambridgeshire County Council on Six Mile Bottom Post Mill following an inspection and survey in July 1980. A detailed assessment of the condition of the mill is given together with repair proposals and an estimated budget for the work of £14,000 - £16,000. Nicholls acknowledges background information provided by Rex Wailes and Henry Wozniak. Details of the mill's history are give, referencing its current owner (Delamere Estate) and its Grade II listing in Spring 1980 and hence, East Cambridgeshire County Council's role in ensuring its protection, Nicholls describing its general appearance as "lost, forlorn and forgotten; a real disgrace to a structure so full of historical detail and constructional interest. In this respect she is unique". Reference is made to previous discussions with Mills International Limited about moving the whole structure to a rural life museum as a last resort

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Cross-in-Hand Post Mill

A report for East Sussex County Council on the Cross-in-Hand Post Mill following an inspection made on 8 February 1979 which describes the present condition of the mill's structure and provides a summary of the work proposed. Detailed costings are provided, amounting to an estimate of £27,350. Nicholls remarks on this being a considerable amount of money, but for a considerable schedule of work. The use of volunteers for some of the work is suggested, Nicholls commenting, "...and although this decreases the Millwrights income, it may help in funding the overall project". He concludes, "We trust, however, that you will proceed to get a programme under way. Cross-in-Hand is an excellent mill, and should be saved".

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

Report - Holton Post Mill

A report for Suffolk County Council on Holton Post Mill examining the mill's: sails; fan, framing and carriage; substructure and buck. The report concludes that public access should be prohibited pending the recommended programme of repair works due to the unsatisfactory condition of certain aspects of the structure. An estimate of £8,600 is given for the repair work (including the replacement of two stocks).

Nicholls, David, (1938 - 2020) millwright

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