Haxted Watermill, 17th-century watermill in Dormansland, England
Haxted Watermill is a 17th-century mill building that sits beside the River Eden and represents the region's heritage. The structure consists of two parts: the western section from the early period and the eastern wing added later, both powered by a large overshot waterwheel that captured flowing water to turn grinding stones.
The building arose in two phases: the western side was constructed in the 1680s, yet the foundations trace back to an earlier facility. The eastern wing came about 100 years later, and the entire operation ran until the middle of the 20th century.
The Stanford family operated the mill across generations and held deep roots in the local community. The facility served the surrounding villages by providing ground grain that residents depended on for their daily bread.
The site is located near Dormansland village and is best reached on foot from the village center. Access to the building itself and immediate surroundings is limited since it is a protected private property, though the exterior is visible from the road.
During repair work in the past, workers discovered an old bearing stone beneath the current machinery that came from an even older mill setup. This finding shows that water power has been harnessed on this spot for centuries.
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