A Millstone round my Neck by Norman Thelwell
Website editor Sheridan shares a review of this charming book, which she has recently added to her own bookshelf.
Norman Thelwell, best known for his witty cartoons featuring podgy ponies with 'a leg at each corner', also had a deep love for the British countryside, a passion that led him and his wife Rhona to purchase Addicroft Mill, a derelict watermill and adjoining cottage in Linkinhorne, Cornwall, during the 1960s. His book, 'A Millstone Round My Neck: The Restoration of a Cornish Water Mill,' recounts the trials and triumphs of restoring the ancient structure to its former glory, offering a wonderfully insightful look at rural life, craftsmanship, and the quirks of countryside living.
The book was published in 1981, by which time Thelwell had sold the watermill and was living in the Test Valley at Timsbury, near Romsey. Addicroft Mill was Grade 2 Listed in November 1987.
From the outset, Thelwell was enchanted by the picturesque setting, the meandering river, the whispering trees, and the untamed charm of the landscape. But the restoration was no fairytale. He soon found himself battling unreliable builders, stubborn livestock that wandered into the property, and roads so overgrown that they seemed determined to keep civilisation at bay. The villagers, each with their own peculiarities, added yet another layer of complexity and comedy to the endeavour.
As an artist and an avid fisherman, Thelwell was immediately drawn to the mill’s riverside location, but he quickly learned that balancing both passions would be no easy feat. His fishing expeditions were frequently interrupted by restoration work, and his artistic pursuits suffered from the endless demands of renovation. His fishing friends and artistic acquaintances remained separate worlds, and he discovered that trying to combine them meant getting neither art nor angling done properly.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the book is Thelwell’s attempt to unravel the mysteries of the old mill’s engineering. Fortunately, one of his friends had a deep understanding of traditional milling techniques and was able to decipher the tangle of rusting gears, wooden shafts, and battered hoppers. Together, they pieced together the remnants of the old breast-shot waterwheel, carefully restoring it to working order, a process that required patience, problem-solving, and no small amount of ingenuity.
Beyond the personal challenges of restoration covered by the book, Thelwell also reflects on the broader transformation of the British countryside. The Industrial Revolution had left many villages half-empty, but in the mid-20th century, a new wave of city dwellers, nostalgic for rural charm, began moving back, often with mixed results. Some devoted themselves to lovingly restored old cottages and churches, while others bulldozed historic buildings in favour of modern constructions. Thelwell’s wry observations on this shifting landscape add an extra layer of depth to the book, making it not just a personal memoir but also a reflection on Britain’s evolving relationship with its rural heritage.
Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy in Thelwell’s vivid descriptions of the landscape surrounding the mill. The river, at times a gentle trickle and at other times a roaring flood, was bordered by dense trees and narrow banks, making fishing both an art and a challenge. In describing the "fairy pools" of the stream, he explains how a short six-foot rod was essential to avoid getting hopelessly tangled in the overhanging branches. His keen eye for nature, coupled with his sharp wit, makes these passages a particular delight.
All in all, A Millstone Round My Neck is a wonderfully engaging book, filled with humour, history, and a heartfelt appreciation for the countryside. Thelwell’s knack for storytelling ensures that readers will laugh out loud while also gaining a newfound respect for the immense effort required to preserve a slice of Britain’s past. Whether you are interested in mill restoration, enjoy tales of eccentric characters, or simply appreciate Thelwell’s signature charm, this book is a thoroughly entertaining and rewarding read.
If you enjoy this book, you might also like 'A Plank Bridge by a Pool' by the same author. 'A Millstone Round my Neck' was written before 'A Plank Bridge by a Pool', but published later. 'A Plank Bridge by a Pool' explores Thelwell’s time spent creating the first two lakes he dug in his garden in Timsbury. Thelwell describes his encounters with the various birds, insects, and small mammals, that visited his pond, immersing himself in the rhythms of nature and the changing seasons. The titular plank bridge becomes a symbol of his connection to the land, a place where he could sit and observe the world around him.