Houghton Mill and Waterclose Meadows

An impressive, working 18th-century watermill and campsite.

A National Trust property with long walks along the river and tea room for a takeaway treat.

Grade II* Houghton Mill is a 17th Century water mill, rebuilt and extended in 18th and 19th centuries. Three-storeys and attics. Gault brick, red brick and two inch brick. Part timber-framed and weather-boarded with plain tile roof and gabled gantries. Pivot hung windows with glazing bars. Modern external wooden fire staircase with two landing stages. Open, through passage to right of centre with foot bridges on either side of mill spanning two weirs. Three original, breast- driven wheels removed in 1931 and replaced by modern sluices. Interior: Three pairs of grinding stones still in situ on grinding floor with other mill machinery intact; storage bins and shoots at first and second-floor levels. Original staircase, floors and trap-doors. Mills have been recorded on this site since 974. The present mill replaces one burnt down in C17. It ceased to work in 1930 and became a Youth Hostel in 1934. In 1939 it was given to the National Trust. It is now the only surviving watermill on the River Ouse in the old county of Huntingdonshire. It is noted for its picturesque setting and is frequented by landscape artists. (Ref P.G.M. Dickinson, 1973) (RCHM Huntingdonshire Mon 6).

Created: 16  May  2021  Edited: 29  November  2023