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Seven Acres Mill Bauxite Mine

Sevenacres Mill, Kilwinning, Ayrshire.

Adit, Opencast workings (now infilled).

Small-scale fireclay complex originally measuring c.270 m from NE mouth to SW limit, complimented by opencast workings to N (both labelled on 1971 OS map). See abandonment Plan (see refs) for subsurface workings layout. The mine was owned by Henry Hawkins Ltd, and was abandoned in 1959.

The 1856 OS map shows the limestone quarry at Sevenacres. In 1897 and 1909 a narrow gauge 'tramway' route is shown that ran down from the Sevenacres limestone quarry passed Sevenacres Mains and linked with the mineral freight line above Sevenacres Mill that ran down to the Dirrans in Kilwinning. In 1897 it was not operational, however in 1909 the track had been relaid and a crane at Sevenacres was used for transhipment. More recently a Bauxite mine was located near Sevenacres Mill.

In the 1880s, when excavations linked to the building of a mineral railway were taking place a drain or narrow covered tunnel was located. It was built of sandstone blocks with large slab covers and was held together with a basic clay mortar. At one end was a large circular stone, 5 feet (1.5 m) in diameter, with a central hole that was plugged with a stone. Beneath this stone was a shallow cavity without any contents. [Wikipedia]

Alternative Names: Sevenacres Mill Bauxite Mine, Sevenacres Bauxite Mine, Sevenacres Mine

Notes: A programme of archaeological building recording was undertaken in October 2006 in respect of the proposed development at Sevenacres Mill, Kilwinning [NS 3336 4433]. There has been a mill at Sevenacres since the early to mid 18th century. The mill building has been enlarged and altered over time as a means of accommodating industrial advances and improving production. The remaining structure indicates that the 18th-century mill was about half its current size and would have provided accommodation for the miller. The later extension of the building would have greatly altered its layout, with the path of the lade moved from the rear of the property to the SE gable end. Indications of earlier workings to the rear of the property can still be seen today, though they may have been adapted to form a secondary source of production, potentially in the form of dairy goods due to the white tiling evident in this area. The mill continued in production until the 1960s, since which time it has been greatly altered, with the demolition of several auxiliary buildings to create modern houses within a picturesque setting. [Canmore, ID. 183583]

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: Lugton Water