Erme Primary pupils learn about their local history
Over 65 children from Erme Primary School enjoyed a unique educational visit to Stowford Mill, which is located just a short stroll away at the historic Stowford Mill in Ivybridge. The iconic paper mill, which was purchased last October by Devon-based property developer Burrington Estates, is set to be transformed into a mixed-use development following an extensive public consultation and planning consultations with the South Hams District Council and English Heritage.
The visit by Years 3 to 6 forms the basis of a four-week school project incorporating maths, art and English, as well as providing a very real link to the children’s local history. From estimating the size of the mill, to undertaking an art project involving drawing and making models of the mill and experimenting with printing, the children also investigated the mill’s history, which will be incorporated into a news report. With most of the children having passed the site every day of their lives, Stowford Mill provides the perfect inspiration for a project that the children can relate to.
The visit provided a unique opportunity for the children to look inside the derelict mill and see where the various presses would have been, which has not previously been open to the public. The children were abuzz with questions about the mill’s history and future – from “How many bricks would have been used to build the mill?” to “How high is the chimney?”
Key Stage Two (KS2) Team Leader, Mrs Edworthy, said of the visit: “I think it’s really important for the children to see their heritage, but also to gain an understanding of how the site can contribute to their future”.
Olivia, a KS2 pupil, said of her visit: “It’s really interesting. I came to the open day, but didn’t get to see inside.” However, the visit was especially poignant for some of the children with relatives who had worked in the mill. “My granddad used to work here in one of the offices,” said Olivia, another KS2 student.
Operating as a paper mill since the 18th century, but with activity here recorded since the mid-1500s, the 8-acre site features a Grade II listed mill house with a 130ft chimney dating from 1856, an engine house built in 1914, a walled garden plus a leat and adjoining weir. The redevelopment of the mill into shops and housing will provide many jobs for the local community and hopes to also boost Ivybridge’s economy, as the paper mill once did. The children had some creative ideas as to what should be in the completed development, including live animals, refreshments, shops, a play centre and leisure activities. As well as all of the industrial work, Burrington Estates aims to restore the mill gardens to their former glory, keeping the natural element of this historic site.
There is no denying the huge scale of the project. It will be a number of years before the development is completed – mostly due to the importance of liaising with planning authorities, English Heritage and the local community. As Mr Richard Dixon, from Burrington Estates, says, “With heritage, you’ve got to make sure it’s right.” Everybody is working together to make sure that this little piece of history remains treasured.”
