For years Felley Mill has been just a heap of brick rubble beside the overgrown mill pond, but now most of this has been removed. The result can be seen above, making this desolate spot seem even bleaker.
Felley Mill was one of Lawrence's key places in the Moorgreen district, having a role in three novels: as 'Strelley Mill' in The White Peacock and Sons and Lovers, and just as 'the mill' in Women in Love, where Birkin takes lodgings. In each case it is described in idyllic terms:
The closes were so beautiful, with the brook under all its sheltering trees, running into the pond that was set with two green islets.
(The White Peacock)
There is a mill marked here on a map of 1765, predating the reservoir, and it seems likely that it originally belonged to Felley Priory nearby. Thanks to recent heavy rain the upper mill pond, which was dry last year, has now been partly refilled (below).
Unbelievable that this was not listed and protected!
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