Brogeen Mill (Corn)

In Kanturk, beside Brogeen Bridge (14809), on N bank of tributary to River Allow. Mill is 2-storey rectangular structure built of random-rubble sandstone; now roofless and missing N end wall- remains now completely enclosed by modern mill producing animal feed compounds. None of old machinery survives; mill contained two sets of millstones powered by undershot waterwheel, later replaced by turbine (O'Sullivan 1984, 80). One-storey creamery on W side, built in mid 19th century; this was raised to 2 storeys in 1956 when part of mill converted to make cheese and butter (ibid.). Mill here shown on estate maps of 1702 and named Manor Mill (ibid., 75); according to O'Sullivan (ibid., 78) this was 1-storey and thatched, repaired in1737 but let fall into ruin by 1744. Indicated on 1842 OS 6-inch map as rectangular ruin (long axis E-W) named 'Flour Mill (in ruins)' with millrace flowing along W wall, millrace taken from tributary c. 1km to W. Indicated on 1905 OS 6-inch map as large complex named 'Brogeen Mill (Corn)/Brogeen House/Creamery'. From 1880s to 1910s, manufacture of cheese and butter became primary function of complex with grinding of corn secondary (ibid.). The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Cork. Volume 4: North Cork' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 2000). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research. Date of upload/revision: 14 January 2009