What is "bark mill"

Bark mills were used to grinding or cutting the roots, branches, or barks of different species of trees, to form a fine powder ( tanbark) suitable for the operations of the tanner in the preparation of leather for clothes, boots, furniture, etc. The powdered wood more quickly yields up the tannin required for the tanning process. The dried bark was often stored in bark houses.

Water-, steam-, horse- or ox- and wind-powered bark mills existed. Water-powered bark mills were sitting alongside rivers and leats were dug to bring water to the wheel.

A barker was a person who stripped bark from trees to supply bark mills.