Benjamin Singleton's Water Flour Mill at Singleton
aka Singleton's Mill
Singleton Mills homepage > Mills at Singleton > Watermill at Singleton township
In 1827, Benjamin Singleton wrote a letter to the Governor stating that he had established a water-powered flour mill at Patricks Plains (now called Singleton, NSW).
The mill was built on Benjamin Singleton's land, on the bank of the Hunter River:
Above: a map drawn by Mr Lyon in 1836 to advertise the new town of Singleton. The location, at that time, of Benjamin Singleton's watermill in Singleton, NSW, at the eastern end of the Ford, is marked on this map (arrow). Map source: State Library of NSW.
Description of the watermill
Key Facts about Benjamin Singleton's Watermill at Singleton The watermill was located at the eastern end of the Hunter River crossing at Singleton, known as Singleton's Ford or, later, Dunolly Ford. No descriptions or drawings have been found of this watermill. However, judging by two watermills that Benjamin Singleton had established previously near Kurrajong, it probably was two storeys high with an attic (three floors). It would have been powered by a waterwheel. It would have had at least one pair of millstones. |
Above: No images have yet been found of the watermill established by Benjamin Singleton on the Hunter River at Singleton. However, this is an artist's impression of a watermill which may have been similar in appearance.
This flour mill would have been needed to support the rapidly growing number of families settling in this area. In later years, it was also used to pump a supply of water for the town.
To read the full story of Benjamin Singleton's watermill at Singleton, including how it may have worked and the challenges that he had to overcome, and the history of other mills established by the Singletons, download our free PDF: The Singleton Family Flour Mills at Singleton –
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We would be interested to hear from anyone who has a photograph or further information about this watermill. Please contact us.
Researched by Anne and Les Dollin
Further Reading
• Overview of Mills at Singleton • The Kurrajong Mills • The Wisemans Ferry Mills