Diary 17

I took a batch back on Monday 13 July. Neither Liz nor Charles were in. I picked out some more of the card boxes and was soon back in my car on an expedition. I had decided to continue on towards Tenbury and seek out a few of the places Albert had photographed; to see if they still exist. I can report as follows:

Hanley William Church. That yew now obliterates the spire from the spot where Albert took his photograph. 

Stockton Mill. Now a house still with a mill wheel, and caravan.

Tetstill Mill. Where Albert stood the trees now blank out the house. He was by a bridge over a railway line. No railway now. No mill either; just a smart residence.

Meadows Mill. A balcony over the Teme replaces Mr Turton’s Water Wheel. Yes he of The Caldwall Iron and Brass Foundry where my story really began. He wrote this letter:

May 27th 1848.

George Turton will make and erect an Undershot Water Wheel 17ft. dia. 4ft 2in. wide with Wrot Iron Starts, Screw Pins, etc. Elm Ladle Boards, Cast Iron Cylindrical Shaft 12 ft, long, Turned Journals, for the sum of £56 12s. Mr Foley carrying it to Meadows Mill

Interesting! So that’s a Turton Wheel in Albert’s favourite photo.