Transcript

of

Early Cider Mill from Axmouth

Devon & Cornwall Notes and Queries vol. VI, (January 1910 to October 1911), illus. p 209.

by

Eds.

Prepared by Michael Steer

Early records of cider production in Devon are difficult to interpret, since what might have been cider is often described as wine or strong wine. It is not really until the middle ages that clear evidence of cidermaking in surviving records are found. In Devon, records dated from 1285 for Exminster Manor suggest cider making was taking place on a commercial scale at that time. As another example, Cider was recorded as part of Church Tythes in Combe in Tynhyde in 1297. The article, from a copy of a rare and much sought-after journal can be downloaded from the Internet Archive. Google has sponsored the digitisation of books from several libraries. These books, on which copyright has expired, are available for free educational and research use, both as individual books and as full collections to aid researchers.

Note 195. EARLY CIDER MILL FROM AXMOUTH. - The accompanying photograph is of a medieval hand-mill or quern from Hochsdon (or, as spelt in the Axmouth Parish Church Registers - Huxdon) Farm, in the parish of Axmouth, co. Devon.

This stone had for years, possibly centuries, stood in the farmyard, and of recent times was used for feeding pigs. Some fifteen to twenty years ago the farmhouse and buildings were burnt to the ground. Mr. Donne, then resident in the parish, bought the stone of the burnt-out farmer, Mr. Love, and on leaving Axmouth Mr. Donne presented it to Mr. E. H. Waters.

It has also been suggested that the hole indicates that it is an early apple mill for making cider. According to Oliver's Monasticon, p. 382, Axmouth was the first parish in the county in which cider was made.

The stone is now in the possession of Mrs. Sanders-Stephens, of Axmouth.                 Eds.