The Macabre Discovery

Nestling below Pickering Castle and dating back to the 12th century stands High Mill, atop a sometimes fast-flowing mill leat.

Where the leat runs under the building, a heavy wrought iron trash screen covered the entrance to prevent debris fouling the vital mill wheels that provided power for the mill. Few people know the macabre reason for its removal and fewer know that it still lies hidden just below the water under the brick arch beneath the building.



During the mid 20th century, when the mill still ground corn, a local woman with a propensity for strong drink would often weave her unsteady way home alongside the mill leat. On occasion, her weaving was less alongside than in the mill leat and it was not unusual for her to be helped out in a wet and sorry state. She gave up the drink abruptly one foul night when the leat was running fast and furious, as her cold lifeless body was found pinned up against the High Mill trash screen.

It’s likely that her body was discovered by the miller, Hubert Coulson. Ironically, Hubert was also partial to a ‘wee refreshment’ and was frequently found on urgent errands at the nearby Station Hotel and other such hostelries while his assistant coped single handed – surprisingly for its size, the mill was run by only two men. There is no evidence that the macabre discovery slaked his thirst. Neither is there any evidence of the tormented spirit of this woman pacing the dark empty old mill in search of a bottle of something warming.