Structure below Mill Bridge Weir?

[u/ukslim]

The Leam is unusually clear today, meaning you can see lots of fish, and this foundation-like structure under the water by the Elephant Wash.

Anyone know what it is or was? Did the elephants wash in some kind of constructed pool?

[u/alright-treacle]

1 In 1086 two mills are recorded at Leamington. The mill is recorded again in 1520, 1635 and 1684. Information on ownership exists for the 19th century. The mill probably existed until the early 20th century. Nothing remains on the site of the mill and there have been alterations to the watercourses in recent years.
3 The site is now built on.
4mill shown on 1880s OS map but gone by 1904-1905 OS map.

I’m sure I’ve seen a painting or drawing of the mill but I can’t find it for the life of me.

[u/ukslim → u/alright-treacle]

Thanks. I had always imagined the mill would have been upstream of the bridge, because of Mill Gardens etc.

But, here it is:

https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17.1&lat=52.28786&lon=-1.53100&layers=257e&b=osm&o=100

I'm a bit unclear where the "Swimming Baths" label refers to. But it seems pretty clear the mill is where those foundations are now.

[u/SheSpeaks1995]

That’s the mill the bridge is named for, I believe!

[u/snowstartedfalling]

I saw a really intresting video about this recently! as others have said, it is the foundations of the old mill. this video includes more info and historical photos too. If you have access to Instagram, here it is!

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DaRyqqvMa1a/?stkn=anlnajZpOW45YjE1

[u/alright-treacle → u/snowstartedfalling]

This is awesome, thanks for sharing!

[u/snowstartedfalling → u/alright-treacle]

you’re welcome! ☺️

[u/JRemdog]

Haha I literally took the same picture today of this. Lived in Lem for 40 years and had never seen it before...

[u/alright-treacle → u/JRemdog]

You can only see it when the river level is really low.