Historical links with Brooks Mill

In the course of my family research I happened upon the website regarding Brooks Mill. I was extremely interested to learn that it was still in existence and hopefully on my next visit to Cheshire, I will be able to visit.

In the meantime, I thought you may be interested in some information that I have. My Manley ancestors were millers in Cheshire at various mills, including Brooks Mill.

According to my research, a William Manley took out on 31st December 1806, a 99-year lease on Brooks Mill. When he died at Wrenbury Mill in 1836, in his will, he left Brooks Mill to his son, Richard Manley who was the miller there at the time. Richard Manley is my 3xgreat grandfather.

I believe that in 1831, Brooks Mill was rebuilt by Lord Combermere when Richard and his wife Elizabeth were living there and raising a large family. I am led to understand that cut in some bricks in an outbuilding, are the intitials, Wm and Tm. It is quite possible that these refer to William Manley and Thomas Manley, Richard's father and elder brother.

I would be very grateful if there is any further information concerning the Manley family attached to Brooks Mill, or any of the surrounding Mills that you may have come across in your historical interests in the area, and indeed if you could perhaps corroborate my information.

I will be only too happy to pay for any postage etc and should there be any further information that you may think I might have, that too I would be happy to share with you.

Editor says: "If you have any information, please let Audlem Online know and we will pass it to Muriel Davis.”