News & Events

Darley Mill Restoration Work Reveals Hidden Treasure

4th September 2009 00:00:00

Engineering work to restore Nidderdale’s historic Darley Mill’s mill race has resulted in a surprising find.

For amongst the tons of silt and mud being excavated from the watercourse, which, when completed will power the Mill’s 27-ft diameter waterwheel, a lady’s eternity ring has been unearthed.

Darley Mill owner Ross Leventhal has been overseeing the process, which is taking a month to complete and will see more than 2,000 tonnes of silt being removed from the 100m long mill race.

He said: “My son was given a metal detector for Christmas and he brought it with him one day last week. He asked me if there was likely to be any buried treasure so I told him to have a look.

“I was staggered when he came back shouting he had indeed found treasure. He was incredibly excited and at first I didn’t believe him. But sure enough he was right.

“After a bit of cleaning, this eternity ring has come up a treat. We have no idea how long it’s been in there or how it got there.

“I’m sure we will get people saying it’s theirs. However, it has a unique identifying feature – two names engraved on it - which only the owner will know!

“There’s an old saying which where’s there’s muck there’s brass. In this case it’s silver and diamonds!”

Ross is hoping the work will be completed by the end of September with the wheel, which has already been fully restored, turning again from early next month.

“Having the wheel turning again after six years will be fantastic. We know when this happens it will prove a real draw for the business.

Darley Mill reopened last March following a major investment to the Grade II Listed building.

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