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   A FLOATING WATERMILL!

 

Although almost unknown in the UK,  boatmills were once common in Europe on rivers such as the Rhine, Danube & their tributaries, they were often anchored midstream & could be moved to a different location when the river levels dropped.  Compared to inland mills, the boatmills had huge paddle wheels which were sometimes as much as 5 Metres wide &  similar in diameter very much like those once seen on rear driven river paddle steamers.

These huge wheels were prone to damage from winter ice & floating logs after a storm & many were dismantled or moved to  a safe harbour for the duration of the winter.