History
According to historical records the site itself has been used for milling purposes since 1302, it however was last used in this capacity in 1952. Since the cessation of milling the building has largely been redundant and disused. The associated mill machinery and water wheels are still in place, although not complete and no longer functioning they are well preserved.
Clearly the Mill has considerable historical and architectural merit and the need for the conservation of the property and milling machinery is well recognised. United Utilities carried out remedial works in 1998 are anxious fulfil their responsibilities and ensure that the building is properly used and maintained.
On 1st June 1786, William Cawley of Mickle Trafford was appointed Surveyor to the Chester Division and at a meeting on 3rd August, only 2 months later, he had completed his plans on four major road improvements in his Division The Toll Gates in the Chester Division were set up at Trafford Mill Lane End, Mickle Trafford (where there was also a weighing machine) and at Netherton - where gates were fixed across both the Tarvin and Chester Roads. There was also a gate at Ashton Lane End on the Tarvin Road. Each of these gates had a house for the man in charge, and later another gate and Toll House was erected where Manley School now stands.
By (The Late)W.R. Hawkin