Flatford Mill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Flatford Mill |
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Flatford Mill
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Watermill |
| Architectural style | Beam |
| Town or city | East Bergholt |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 51°57′32″N 1°01′17″E / 51.9588°N 1.0215°E |
| Elevation | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Current tenants | Field Studies Council |
| Completed | 1733 |
| Owner | National Trust |
Flatford Mill is a historic watermill located on the River Stour in East Bergholt, Suffolk, England. It is a very old building, completed in 1733. Some parts of the mill might even be older than that! Next to the mill is a miller's cottage from the 1600s. Both the mill and the cottage are considered very important historical buildings.
The mill is in a beautiful area called Dedham Vale. This place is famous for its lovely English countryside.
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A Famous Artist's Inspiration
Flatford Mill is well-known because of the famous artist John Constable. His father actually owned the mill! Constable loved painting the landscapes around his home. Flatford Mill and its surroundings became the subject of many of his most famous artworks.
Paintings Featuring Flatford Mill
Constable used Flatford Mill in the titles of several of his paintings. One of his most iconic works is called Flatford Mill (Scene on a Navigable River). Other paintings that show the mill include:
- Flatford Mill from a lock on the river Stour
- Flatford Mill from the lock (A water mill)
- The Lock
Perhaps his most famous painting, The Hay Wain, was also created from the front of Flatford Mill. This painting features a small building called Willy Lott's Cottage.
Flatford Mill Today
Today, Flatford Mill is owned by the National Trust. This organization looks after important historical places and natural areas in the UK. The National Trust leases the mill to the Field Studies Council.
What Happens at the Mill Now?
The Field Studies Council uses Flatford Mill, along with nearby buildings like Bridge Cottage and Valley Farm, for educational courses. These courses teach people about art, ecology (how living things interact with their environment), and natural history. It's a great place to learn about nature and art in a beautiful setting.
