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Hessle Whiting Mill,
Cliff Road,
Hessle
HU13 0HB
About the project
Quarry to Country Park is a three-year Heritage Lottery funded project currently being delivered by East Riding Council. The project's main aim is to reveal the hidden history of the Humber Bridge Country Park; a former chalk quarry that dates back to the 14th century.
The project has seen the restoration and re-opening of Hessle's whiting mill as part of the new Chalk Walk heritage trail, which follows a path through the oldest area of the quarry and continues inside the mill's tower.
Hessle Mill and the Chalk Walk
Hessle Whiting mill is a unique example of an early nineteenth century whiting windmill. It was designed to crush chalk from a nearby quarry which now forms the Humber Bridge Country Park. The mill forms part of the Chalk Walk heritage trail which reveals the hidden natural, industrial and social history of the Country Park. The trail follows a path through the oldest area of the quarry and onto the Humber Foreshore, continuing on five levels inside the mill's tower.
A 48 acre wood with open meadows and wildlife ponds, the Humber Bridge Country Park is perfect for families. There is a small play area near the Mill on the foreshore and the Country Park offers multiple nature walks, picnic and barbecue areas. The distinctive chalk cliffs which surround the park on three sides, give rise to the park's local name of Little Switzerland. The bright white chalk cliffs were said to resemble the snow covered Alps!
Things to see
Discover a full day of family fun, with walks and picnics in the nature reserve, riverside views along the Humber foreshore and learn about the fascinating history of 'Little Switzerland' with the newly renovated Hessle Whiting Mill.
Things to do Daily activities
The Chalk Walk
Follow The Chalk Walk heritage trail through Little Switzerland and inside the mill tower to explore the Country Park's hidden geological, industrial and social history.
Map coming soon.
Map coming soon.
What was here?
Travel back in time by following the Country Park's digital heritage trail with the free East Riding Archives What Was Here? app.
Get the free app
Under 5s
Take part in the East Riding Museums 'Discover 5 things' or use our Explorer resources to learn, take part and play with your toddler, both inside the mill and in the Country Park.
Visiting with children
Schools, families and learning
Throughout 2020 and 2021 Quarry to Country Park offers a schedule of learning events designed for visitors of all ages to learn more about the rich history of the Country Park. Alongside guided heritage walks and creative sessions for adults, there is a programme of spring and summer holiday events and drop-in sessions for children and families. There are also opportunities for onsite and classroom learning for primary and secondary schools.
Want to arrange a school visit? Email the project team with preferred dates and number of students.
Download learning resources
These learning resources are available to download for use in the classroom or during an onsite visit. These include information and worksheets on the following subject areas: Geology, Geography, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Creative Writing, Art and Design
Cross-section of the whiting works which once adjoined the Hessle Mill's tower.
The internal mechanism inside the mill's cap.
The crushing tub and settling tanks used to manufacture powdered chalk known as whiting.
Cross-section of the mill tower showing the main drive shaft which powered the crushing stones and water pumps.
The five-sailed mill and whiting works how they would have looked when complete.
Detail of the drying sheds where blocks of chalk whiting were dried.
The steam engine (right) which powered the mill after the sails where removed in 1925.
Digital images of the mill
These hugely detailed technical drawings produced by former draughtsman and mill enthusiast John Brandrick, allow us to see how Hessle Mill and its whiting works would have looked when they were built during the early 19th century. The drawings also reveal how the mill developed over the following 150 years as it adapted to new technology.
Get in touch
For any general enquiries about the Quarry to Country Park project, please contact our Heritage Project Officer, Dr. Alex Ombler.
Email: alex.ombler@eastriding.gov.uk
Telephone: 01482 392713
Email: alex.ombler@eastriding.gov.uk
Telephone: 01482 392713
Get involved
Do you want to be part of the Quarry to Country Park team? We need volunteers to help with the project; from research this summer to stewards for the mill when it opens in Winter 2019.
Oral History Volunteers
Help create our oral history by sharing your memories of the mill, park or Humber Bridge or choose to be an interviewer and record local memories.
Volunteers required Now - Spring 2020
Events Assistant
We need enthusiastic volunteers to help tell the park's story of geological, industrial and social heritage with guided walks and learning sessions.
Volunteers required from Spring 2020
Mill Stewards
When completed, the mill will be open to the public 70 days per year. Be part of the team who welcome visitors, answer queries and share the history.
Volunteers required from Spring 2020