The Dams

With every new market that was opened, demand increased.

To meet this demand the expansion of Clark's continued apace.

Additional mill space was created and with it, the demand for power from the Knockoneill / Clady waters increased.

In the first 100 years demand for power was met by simple adding another little mill on the banks of the Clady. Looking at our map collection (PRONI) the succession of mills can be counted. ( They extend beyond the limit of this map.)

These mills numbered well into the teens, each borrowing water from the river and returning it to be used by the next mill down stream.

Source: PRONI

Wee Dam

The Aqueduct

Craig's Dam

New / Lapping Dam

Green Dam

Island Dam

Another scale allows us to point out the main adjustments made in relation to the river over the years.

Almost all were inter-linked in some way, separated and controlled by an intricate system of dams, sluices and pipes.

Intricately designed and augmented over the years but always depending on levels and gravity!

Main Weir and Sluice taking

water into the Clark's system.

"Middle House" 1740: Original Beetling Mill

(still standing)

Road Engines Race

Road Engines Beetling Mill / Flax Visitor centre

Enjoy a bird's eye view of Upperlands Dams, courtesy of YouTube...

Click on the Photo and be amazed!

We are doing our best to attribute these wonderful shots.

Source / Credits : YouTube/Phantom 4

In further progressive engineering adventures, a programme of creation of massive mill ponds, now known locally as "The Dams", ensued.

There is something that we have often discussed and wondered about:

We know that in the 1700s Jackson Clark had his plan for using water from the Knockoneill / Clady River. We have saluted his vision.

Did his plan envisage expansion on the scale that we can now witness? This site beautifully accommodates the area needed for the building of large scale 'factories' and extensive mill ponds. Is it possible that he was able to 'see' this potential?

Source: "Linen on the Green"