Thrum Mill

A mile east of Rothbury via the beautiful path known as "Lover's Walk" on the banks of the River Coquet stands the Thrum Mill. Just past a few beautiful stone houses the mill is on the right. A Grade II listed building it is now boarded up, past its prime and is now inaccessible.

The  name "Thrum"  most probably derives from the sound of rushing water as it pours through the narrow rocky channel. 

Although the dictionary tells us that the 'thrum' is the loose end of a weaver's thread, the former derivation is most probably correct as the sound of the waters certainly suggests a 'thrumming' or 'drumming' sound, and the mill itself was formerly used for grinding corn.

The name was first mentioned in the 17th century when the parish register indicated the burial of  

'Ann, wife of Thos. Dixon, Thrum Mill 10th March 1693'.

The Thrum is also celebrated in Wilson's 'Tales of the Borders' being the scene of Willie Faa's exploit when the gypsy king leaps across the Thrum with the heir of Clennel Castle in 'The Faa's Revenge'.

The channel is only a few feet across and it is not unknown for the brave or foolhardy to attempt to emulate Willie Faa's exploit.   

In summer it is not uncommon to see the young and hardy leaping into the current from nearby rocks, to ride the waves through the narrow channel. Many are with families who visit every year as part of reliving their own youth.  Who says that the youth of today are weak?

Look at the names carved on the rocks spanning many years.

The mill still stands, albeit boarded up, derelict and dangerous and although much has crumbled away it still presents a pretty spectacle for the photographer.