The first documented reference to an water grist mill known as New Mill at Stainborough was in 1740. The mill continued in use till at least 1881 when a miller was recorded at in the area. A 1890-1 map shows the spoil heaps from Strafford Colliery (HSY6439) filling in most of the former reservoir upstream from the mill. The head race is gone as is the pond immediately adjacent to the mill building. The mill building was converted into cottages at this time. (Umpleby 2000, 179). Prior to the construction of the mill this was an area of small piecemeal enclosure of an uncertain date.