Winchester City Mill

In 1086 the Domesday survey records a mill on the site paying a rent of 48/- (£2.40) per annum to the Abbess – well above the average mill rent in southern England.    During this period the mill became known as Eastgate Mill.  A period of prosperity ended after Winchester lost its status as England’s capital city and the Black Death had decimated the population in the mid 14^th century.  The mill became derelict by 1417.

In 1743 a tenant James Cooke, rebuilt the mill – this is the building you can visit today – and milling on the site resumed. 

An exciting partnership with the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is establishing the mill as an interpretation centre for the River Itchen and new displays and events will tell the story of this fascinating river and its wildlife.

1. Weekends in March
2. Weds to Sun inclusive and Bank Hols. in April, May and June
3. Daily July to December.
4. Daily in school holidays March to December when special family activities are provided.

Group visits are welcome throughout the season and guided tours and milling demonstrations can usually be arranged subject to staff availability.  School parties are especially welcome.

NEW EXHIBITION AT THE MILL

A new exhibition at the National Trust’s Winchester City Mill features the story of bread from growing and harvesting the wheat through milling the flour to baking and delivering the bread. 

The story is told through archive film, historic photographs from local collections and recorded stories of people from the past. A selection of farming and bread making implements will also be displayed and visitors are invited to contribute their own memories of farming scenes or local bakeries in the last century.  The mill opens between 11am and 4.30pm from Wednesday to Sunday in term time and daily in all Hampshire school holidays.  The exhibition runs from 1 May and until 31 October and is included in the normal mill admission charges (Adults £3.40, Children £1.70, Families £8.50, National Trust & Hampshire Wildlife Trust members free).

The National Trust has assembled this new exhibition in a separate room at the mill and has received invaluable help from The Wessex Film and Sound Archives, the Hampshire Records Office and both the Hampshire and Winchester City Council Museums Services.

The video film and photographic displays illustrate the evolution of wheat growing from the traditional manual methods through the introduction of horse and tractor drawn machinery to the satellite controlled combine harvesters of today.  The exhibition next traces the revolution in milling from stone grinding in the traditional water and windmills using stones to the modern roller mills which produce most flour on sale today.  Finally three Hampshire bakeries are seen working in the last century whilst historic photographs contrast such enterprises, with their ornate delivery vans and carts, with a state-of-the-art bakery in the 21st century. 

Human stories are central to the exhibition and visitors can discover how long were the hours worked by a village baker for example and how agricultural labourers were affected in the late 19th century by the steady introduction of machinery.  Visitors will also be able, if they wish, to contribute their own memories and anecdotes to this ‘Story of Our Daily Bread’.

Contact details:  Bob Goodwin - Miller and Visitor Services Coordinator
Winchester City Mill,
Bridge St.,
Winchester SO23 8EJ

Tel. 01962 8709057

e-mail robert.goodwin@nationaltrust.org.uk, winchestercitymill@nationaltrust.org.uk

Its web site is found here :  

Photos © David Watson Bob Goodwin, National Trust