In 1891, the Trappist Monks of the Mariannhill Diocese purchased a farm from Dick King’sfamily with the goal to develop a self-sustaining food supply farm with a Brickfield, a dairy and a water-turbine operated maize mill. Their purpose was simple: to feed 200 growing boys at the neighbouring St Mary’s Seminary by supplying the Seminary and Mariathal Mission with maize meal, milk, fruit, eggs, honey, vegetables and meat from the farm.
The farm was renamed St Isidore Farm after the patron saint of farming and so began an innovative and productive century long food farm run by Mariannhill monks and nuns.
Over the years, the St Isidore monks and nuns would apply their monastic principles and order to everything they did. They became a self-sufficient farm with manual labour being an essential part of their monastic experience. Every hour of their day was intentional, following a strict routine that was structured around regular meditative prayer, work and meals, speaking only when necessary, in accordance to their silent order.
The mills of God grind slow but exceedingly fine
Step back in time and experience the history of a farm that was run by highly innovative monks and nuns for over a century.
Book your tour and see the fully restored St Isidore Maize Mill and Blacksmith and watch the old Blackstone Listed diesel engine in operation. Learn how the maize mill worked; first with a Pelton Water Turbine, followed by the installation of the 1 piston Blackstone diesel listed engine during the 1930’s drought. See the original workshop and tools of a blacksmith, the ultimate artisanal experts of all things ‘Handmade.’
Mill Tour bookings must be made in advance.
