Historic mill wheel measuring 14ft discovered at Hadleigh sinkhole

The 11ft hole was discovered near a footpath last month in Tinkers Lane, when a contractor from Babergh District Council (BDC) found a deep depression in the ground and another collapse beneath the surface.

Hadleigh film maker and photographer Peter Boulton captured the fire at Toppesfield Mill in February, 1954. In the foreground is Frederick Spraggons, landlord of The Ram pub in Market Place. He and his wife kept firemen supplied with food and drink as they fought a tough battle with the flames. (Image: Peter Boulton)

The hole was found to be an 11ft-deep void, with the lower 7ft full of water. It was fenced off to the public.

Council teams have since been investigating the site and have come across a number of interesting discoveries, uncovering a large cogs wheel, a bridge and an old mill wheel along the line of the old mill race.

A mill race, also known as a millrun, is the current of water that turns a water wheel, or the channel (sluice) conducting water to or from a water wheel.

Teams from Babergh District Council have been excavating the site off Tinkers Lane in Hadleigh, along the old mill race. (Image: Babergh District Council)

A spokesman for Babergh District Council said: “We are continuing to investigate and excavate the site at Tinkers Lane and have made a number of interesting discoveries, including a bridge and an old mill wheel, measuring 14ft long and 10ft in diameter, from Toppesfield Mill, which burned down in 1954.

"A large cogs wheel has also been uncovered.

The discovery off Tinkers Lane in Hadleigh, where parts of the old mill race have been unearthed following the opening of a sinkhole. (Image: Babergh District Council)

“We are considering how we can safely display the artefacts to the public and expect to have more information on our plans soon.

"In the meantime, the safety of the public and protection of the historic site remain of paramount importance."

Toppesfield Mill in Hadleigh in the early years of the last century. If it is of help please credit: Photograph from David Kindred’s archive. (Image: David Kindred’s archive)

A closure order is in place in Tinkers Lane between Benton Street and the football ground end of the bridge until July 1.

Fencing has been erected around the site to prevent access.

The council said it hopes to reopen the footpath as soon as possible and is working with the Environment Agency to also get the land back in use.

Residents of the market town have called for some of the finds to be put on display in a heritage centre or museum.

The footpath and bridge at the end of Tinkers Lane in Hadleigh has been fenced off due to the sinkhole appearing. (Image: Archant)

Works are continuing at the sinkhole in Tinkers Lane while the final solution for the site is discussed.