Our local history
Healey derives from ‘heil’ which means holy or sacred and ley’ that is used to describe a meadow or pasture in a woodland clearing.
Healey lies on the road between Masham and Lofthouse and is situated in Nidderdale, half a mile north of the River Burn, whose valley provide wide, open views from the village.
The oldest surviving building in Healey is the Barn at Firs Farm that was originally a Century Chapel of Fountains Abbey in the 16th Century. Healey slowly began to develop as a village but has always maintained a quiet, tranquil character that we see today and one which continues to attract people to its peaceful yet scenic surroundings.
The Healey Corn Mill was built in 1756, and in 1848 the Lord of the Manor built The Church of St Paul. To date there are only four Grade II Listed buildings in Healey – namely the Church of St Paul, Healey Mill, Firs Farm and Barn to Firs Farm.
In 1851, the community of Healey was very small and comprised of only 7 cotton mill workers, 3 school masters, a butcher and an Inn Keeper. This was until 1908 when Healey had its first Post Office, Public House and a Blacksmith – although these have disappeared now, it earmarked the crucial development of this stunning village area.
The Church of St Paul and the old vicarage along with Healey Mill are important trademarks of the village. The church and vicarage situated in east marks the entry into the village and Healey Mill signals its end on leaving at the West End. The Mill by virtue of its height and scale provides a dominant focal point and it is no wonder that such presence attracts people from far and wide into it's realms so that they can experience the natural beauty of this historic mill.
In 1913, a man called Austin Gregg moved into the Mill with his mother and lived there until he died in 1946. Whilst living at the Mill, Austin married his housekeeper and had 7 children. Austin's wife and eldest son passed before him and according to locals, when Austin died his remaining children put out all their possessions into the field to move on. Lady Masham who was passing by asked what they were doing and when they told her they moving because they couldn't afford to stay she ordered them in and kindly reduced their rent.
John Miller took over as miller and farmer of 40 acres and in the early 1950's the wheel and machinery were removed from the mill and was replaced with a diesel hammer that according to John Gregg's wife ‘shook every cupboard in the house’. In 1978 John Gregg died and in 1985 Swinton Estate sold the Mill to Mr. Dawson who then sold the Millers house on the following year.
The beauty of Healey Mill captivated Tim and Diane Fathers and in December 2004 they moved from their home in Nottingham to Healey. Since then they have transformed Healey Mill into an ideal, luxurious retreat whilst still preserving the natural historic beauty that Healey Mill holds – something that is rarely seen in today's fast-paced modern lifestyle.
To find out more about the history of Healey Mill, Tim and Diane would be happy to show you records of occupants of Healey Mill that interestingly date back to 1821. They also have on record copies of purchases of barley meal, maize, linseed cake etc that was made in the early days at Healey Mill.
The history of Healey Mill certainly feeds the imagination and set in such beautiful surrounds it is no wonder that those who visit Healey Mill keep on returning.