Houghton Mill facts for kids
Houghton Mill is a historic water mill found on the Great Ouse river in the village of Houghton, Cambridgeshire, England. It is looked after by the National Trust, a charity that protects important places. The mill is also a special old building called a Grade II* listed building.
Contents
The Mill's Long History
Water mills have stood here for a very long time. Records show a mill existed as far back as the year 974!
Early Owners and Villagers
For many years, the mill belonged to Ramsey Abbey, a large monastery nearby. People who lived on the abbey's land had to bring their wheat to this mill to be ground into flour. The miller would keep some of the flour as payment for his work.
Around the year 1500, the Abbot (the head of the abbey) changed the river's path. He wanted to make sure the mill had enough water power. But this change caused the nearby village to flood! The villagers were very upset and protested. About fifteen years later, they were given permission to change the water's path themselves if there was another emergency.
Changes in Ownership
When the Dissolution of the Monasteries happened, the King took control of many church lands, including Houghton Mill. So, the mill became property of the Crown (the King or Queen). The mill you see today replaced an older one that burned down in the 1600s.
A Famous Miller
One of the most well-known millers was Potto Brown (1797–1871). He was a very religious man who was also quite wealthy. He was so devoted to his faith that he would even bring his business ledgers to family prayer meetings. He wanted to discuss his debts with God! After he died, a bronze statue of his head was placed in Houghton to remember him.
Houghton Mill Today
Even though there has been a mill here for centuries, the very first mill site was actually a bit further along the river, about 0.4 miles towards Huntingdon. The old mill pond is still there, but it now looks like a natural part of the river.
The Building's Design
The building you see now was likely built in the 1600s. It was made bigger in the 1800s. The mill has three main floors and extra space in the attic. Parts of the building are made of brick, while other parts have a timber frame covered with wooden boards.
From Hostel to Tourist Spot
In the 1930s, the mill stopped being used for grinding flour. It was "decommissioned," meaning it was no longer working as a mill. Local people bought the building and gave it to the National Trust.
From 1935 to 1983, Houghton Mill was used as a youth hostel. This was a place where young travelers could stay cheaply. It was one of the few hostels run by the YHA where smoking was not allowed. This was because of the risk of fire in the old wooden building.
In 1999, the National Trust put in new millstones. Today, flour is still milled here sometimes! The building is now a popular place for tourists to visit. There is also a camping site nearby where people can stay.
See also
- Christopher Biden
