The Mill Lade

One of the most important, indeed crucial features of New Lanark, was the mill lade. It was used to harness the water power of the River Clyde so that it could be used to drive the machinery in the mills. A tunnel 300 yards long was cut to lead the water from the river to the water wheels in each mill. Sluice gates were used to regulate the flow of water and this flow was determined by the amount of demand made on production. In the 'busy time' the amount of water required to drive the water wheels would, of necessity, be far greater than during the 'slack time'.
By the end of the 19th. century, the water was driving a turbine to generate electricity for the village. Water wheels finally disappeared as a source of power in the 1930's.

ACTIVITY

1. Why was a Mill Lade needed at New Lanark?

2. Given it's length and the time when it was constructed, how difficult would it have been to construct the Lade? Give reasons for your answer.

3. What is the main function of a sluice gate and why was this required? Try to find a picture of one of the gates at New Lanark or ask your teacher to describe one to you. Draw what one looks like.

4. What was the difference between the 'busy time' and the 'slack time'?

5. Why were water wheels no longer needed at New Lanark by the end of the 19th. century?

6. Today the River Clyde is still used to produce power for the village of New Lanark.Try to find more about how this is done. Your teacher may be able to explain this to you if you find this difficult. A fieldtrip to New lanark itself would also help you to complete this task!!!.