Nineteenth century cog unveiled at ‘Merry Miller’ development
The unveiling of a nineteenth century cog marked the official opening this week of the new housing development, Old Mill Court, Bettws, Newport. The development is a partnership project between Morganstone and Charter Housing, part of the Pobl Group and Newport City Council.
The unveiling was attended by Councillors Janet Cleverly, Newport City Council together with members of the project teams of Morganstone and the Pobl Group.
During the course of the preparation works undertaken on the site of the former Merry Miller public house, the old cog was discovered and identified as being part of Malpas Mill which formerly stood on the site. The Mill was constructed in the mid to late 19th century and was destroyed in the period after the Second World War. The cast iron driving cog would have transferred power from the water wheel to the grindstone mechanism and formed part of the mill.
As part of its community engagement work, Morganstone undertook a heritage project to restore and return the cog to its place of origin. The cog now stands on a plinth within the development and boasts a special commemorative bronze plaque in recognition of the history that residents will now share.
Ian Morgan, Managing Director, Morganstone said;
“Being involved with redevelopment projects are always unique in their own way and the Old Mill Court redevelopment was no exception, with the opportunity to transform a run-down public house into much needed affordable housing in the area.
Then to come across the cog from the old mill during construction just added to the history of the project and thankfully we were able to uncover, store and retain the cog throughout the construction period and allow future generations to see a piece of our history”
The Old Mill Court residential development replaces the former Merry Miller public house which was demolished in 2015 after having lain derelict for a number of years.
The area has been brought back to life with nineteen affordable new homes comprising of 5 x three bed houses; 4 x two bed houses; 1 x two bed flats; and, 9 x one bed flats.