The most common renewable energy source mentioned in Rochdale medieval and early post-medieval documents was water power.
Uses of water power
Water power was used in watermills for grinding flower and also in fulling mills, to process wool.
An early water mill in Rochdale
Near to the market on the south-west side was a house occupied by Thomas Holme,
which was reputed to have been the ancient ” Milne House ” 2 (more…)