The Old (Lower) Mill

sec@brattonhistory.co.uk

We use Google Analytics to measure how users interact with website content. See our Cookies Policy for more information.

Reject

The Old (Lower) Mill - Lower Road

The Old Mill was one of several that operated in the village for hundreds of years, taking advantage of the power generated by the fast flowing stream of the Stradbrook. It originally operated as a grist mill, turning corn into flour for local farmers, but was converted towards the end of the 14th century to a ‘fulling’ mill for the preparation of woollen felted cloth – probably by Jeffrey Whitaker.

By the 1750s the Mill had fallen into disrepair but in 1792 it was converted back to a grist mill by William Witherington and became known as Witherington Mill. Later in the early Victorian era a double storey red brick side extension was added for the miller’s accommodation.
Sadly the wheel is no longer in working order but it is still in situ in the extensive cellars, as are the gear wheel and other mill workings.
It is still possible to divert the course of the stream, by closing the sluice gate near where the mill pond was situated, over the wheel and down the mill race to the bottom of the garden where it rejoins the stream.

The actual mill stone turning support shaft can still be seen protruding through the hall floor and one of the original grinding stones has been set in the wall of the garage.

The Old Mill has recently gone through a sympathetic refurbishment retaining all the original features that have survived.

'Bratton Mills' by Jean Morrison

[Return]

Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

Copyright Bratton History Association 2015-2026

Bratton History Association Privacy Statement