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Remains of the C13th Fulling Mill in Upper Coquetdale, founded by the monks of Newminster Abbey near Morpeth NZ1885 : Newminster Abbey 1, were found in 2010 by members of the Coquetdale Community Archaeology Group at a location previously suggested in a description written by David Dippie Dixon in 1903 Link Many of the dressed stone blocks on the site had already been robbed for other buildings in the neighbourhood.

The group arranged and conducted a full archaeological excavation in July 2011. Masonry blocks and wooden structures on the river bed and its northern bank were identified as part of the water channel and water wheel pit with a likely water control system a further 60m upstream.

In a fulling mill, newly woven woollen cloth was beaten with water-powered hammers to remove grease and close up the threads, a process involving chemical agents probably derived from urine, fuller's earth and burnt bracken. In Scotland and parts of northern England, the process is known as 'waulking'.

A search of Geograph shows a much better preserved example from Hampshire SU5833 : Alresford - Fulling Mill but it is likely the one formerly here would have been a much cruder structure.

The full story, detailed ongoing report Link and excavation diary Link are available here Link