We are delighted to announce that, after far too long as a static ornament, the impressive waterwheel is turning once again at Nant-y-Coy.

Weighing some 4 tons (4,000 kilos), the wheel has a diameter of 13 feet 6 inches (4 metres). It was installed in 1884 as part of a major renovation, replacing the earlier mechanism, which was beyond repair.

The waterwheel had been sidelined for some time due mainly to problems with the primary gear-wheel. This gear, which drives all the shafts and gearing within the mill, is mounted on the octagonal shaft which runs from the waterwheel into the mill building, New wedges have been fitted to ensure that the gear-wheel is aligned correctly and securely on the shaft. Custom brackets had to be made so as to hold these wedges in place against the massive forces generated by the simple flow of water over the mill wheel.

We all held our breath and crossed our fingers as the sluice gate was opened and the water poured down the leet and onto the over-shot waterwheel. Slowly, the force of the flow persuaded the huge bulk of the wheel to turn and we all breathed a sigh of relief and satisfaction.

The renovation work was carried out by local engineers from Gwaun Workforce and A.J. Owen of Letterston. We are very grateful for their professional and courteous assistance in restoring such a marvellous feature of Nant-y-Coy Arts.

There is rarely a shortage of water here, thanks to the brook which runs through our estate's Nature Trail valley to join the Western Cleddau river just above Treffgarne Gorge. This means that the waterwheel should now turn every day and we hope that visitors will enjoy seeing an important part of our valuable industrial heritage in motion - hopefully  for years to come.

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