This led them to a company in Kendal called Williamson Brothers. In 1879 the waterwheel was replaced and upgraded to a Williamson Vortex 15 hp water turbine, which is said now to be the oldest working in situ turbine of its kind.

The turbine drove a line shaft that, in turn, drove the saw and wood working machinery in the mill. By 1925, when the mill was ready to install a further electricity generating turbine, the Williamson’s had become Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, following the purchase of the company by Gilbert Gilkes in the early 1880’s.

Gilkes’ turbines were now installed all over the World, including many of the country estates of the gentry. Their customers included Queen Victoria and many Dukes & Earls. The additional turbine at Gayle Mill ran alongside its larger compatriot until mid 1980’s when the mill was finally closed.

In late 2004, Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, still essentially the same company, became involved in the refurbishment of the two existing turbines and the provision of a third to generate ‘green’ electricity for export to the grid.

Refurbishment of the two original turbines has now been completed and both have been re-installed at the mill in addition to the new Gilkes turbine.