This charming watermill and corn drying kiln, nestled on the River Bela near Beetham in Cumbria, was built in 1740 on the site of a mill dating back to 1220. The building was remodelled in the 19th century and the mill remained in operation until 1955. The interior was restored in 1975. The mill machinery is driven by a 14 ft diameter overshot water wheel fed by an elevated wooden water trough (or "launder"). The trough is due for restoration but if it is in place by the time of our visit we will be able to see flour being milled. Heron Mill is home to a rare survival of a Lowder frame. Once a common feature of wind- and watermills the Lowder frame, also called a "Hurst frame" or "Hursting", supports the gears and millstones and minimises noise and vibration when the mill is in operation. These frames were often made of wood but the one at Heron Mill is made of stone.