Dale Abbey in the 13th century had 2 other mills at Borrowash (1 rented from Gilbert de Frayino for 2s. per annum and the other, half a mill, from Geoffrey de Salicosa Mara).  The latter is referred to as 'the mill in Alvaston called the mill of Borrowash'.  They obtained the second moiety in 1261.

The large modern mill at Borrowash may be on the site of a medieval one (C39).