Heightley Mill, Chirbury

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Victoria Embrey
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Hi I am looking for photos of Heightley Mill. I believe there is only ruins now but my family lived there in the 1800s. I have searched at Shropshire Archives but I have not found any. Thanks Vicky Embrey

PhilPoole
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Hi Vickey,

Have you tried contacting the current occupants of Heighley Farm? Or maybe Chirbury Parish Council? 

I lived in Chirbury during the 1950/60s and have fond memories of playing in the woods around Heightley Mill. At that time it was still standing, a bit the worse for wear, but the grindstone was still there, although the mill stream was fairly dry due to the sluice gate further upstream being blocked up. Unfortunately I don't have any family photos of it and it is in a remote spot so I think the chances of finding an old postcard are slim.

Looking at  the Google satellite image it is difficult to pick out any ruins as the image was taken in May/June when the woodland etc was in full leaf.

I hope you are sucessful.

Phil Poole

PhilPoole
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Hi,

I've just spoken with my elder brother who has a much better memory of aspects of Chirbury village life than myself. Somewhere in all of his books he has a "History of Chirbury" written by one of the locals. Apparently the Mill was occupied by some Belgian refugees during WWI, who kept in contact with villagers after the War. He cannot recall if there were any photos in the book, which may never have been formally published. If he can find it he will photocopy any relevant info on the Mill. I'll post another message if he is successful.

Regards

Phil

Victoria Embrey
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Hi Phil

Thank you for the information so for the delay in replying. Any information would be greatly appriecated. 

Thanks Victoria

PhilPoole
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Hi Victoria,

I now have photocopies of a few pages from "The Village of Chirbury" by Brenda Jones. It includes a reference to Tom Embrey of Heighley Mill, also a photo of the Mill and details of the workings of the Mill. Mike Hulme has kindly supplied me with your email address so I'll scan the images and send them to you in a couple of days. In the meantime if you are in the vicinity of Shropshire Archives they apparently have a copy of the booklet, plus a copy of "The History of Chirbury" by Flora Macleod published in 1906.

Regards

Phil

https://shropshire.gov.uk/media/3217/chirbury.pdf

http://search.shropshirehistory.org.uk/collections/getrecord/CCA_XLS9959/

GrahamOfSalop
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Hi Victoria, I think I know someone sharing your ancestor, if he was Edward EMBREY born c1796, married Margaret PRICE 1814 in Berriew and was resident in Heightley Mill, Chirbury in 1841.
They descend from Edward, via Edward, via Thomas, via George (1894-1963).

Phil, is there anychance of a copy of those scans?

PhilPoole
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Hi Graham,

Yes I can send you a copy. I'll ask Mike for your email address so I can send it as an attachment.

Regards

Phil

Michael J Hulme
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Details have been sent to Phil.

Mike

Victoria Embrey
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Hi Phil

Thank you for information. I will have a look at the booklet next time I visit Shropshire Archives.

Thank you for your help again.
Victoria

Victoria Embrey
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Hi Graham

Edward and Margaret were my 4x grand grandparents. I descend Edward via Richard via Edward via Frederick via Frederick via David then me. Richard was a Miller at Monks Mill in Abbey Foregate and Edward his son was a Miller at Fitz Mill. My great grandfather was a farmer need Shawbury.

Regards Victoria

Michael J Hulme
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Hello Victoria

Are you aware of the two gravestones at Fitz church connected with your family?

If not I can send you the text and photographs.

Mike

Victoria Embrey
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Last seen: 3 days 23 hours ago
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Hi Mike

Thank you for the offer but I have already got photos of them.

Victoria