Bishops Lydeard Mill and Rural Life Museum

Located in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Bishops Lydeard is a small village near the market town of Taunton. There were originally two mills in the village, Higher and Lower, supplying the area with flour. Higher mill has been subsequently demolished, leaving this excellent example of an overshot waterwheel at the lower mill.

The watermill has been renovated over the past few years and was officially opened by the town Mayor on Saturday 10th May 2003.

Work has been done to restore the mill so that it is a working mill. Although we now know that there was a second wheel (used for fulling) on the site there are no plans to replace that. Among the many traditional trades and crafts displayed are the wheelwright's shop, transported from Devon and preserved exactly as it was left on the day the owner shut up shop, and the equally authentic Blacksmith's shop. These are not the only trades that are featured, so why not make a visit to check out what else is on view?


During 2007 we had approximately 3,200 visitors & we raised over £10,000.00, bringing our donations to charities over the years to £35,000. The cheques have been acknowledged for 2007 and were greatly appreciated by the different charities.

There is much to see and do in the village of Bishops Lydeard. Allow at least half a day so you can relax in our Dusty Miller's tea room, with a range of home made cakes, soft drinks, ice creams and confectionery, before visiting other attractions such as the West Somerset Railway.