London has a fascinating history. Therefore, it is not surprising that the city can boast of many atmospheric places. Such locations are London’s gems that often hide amazing stories and legends. For many, old buildings seem so special. There, you can feel the vibes from hundreds of years ago, as well as immerse yourself in the atmosphere of those times. The Three Mills is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery and get to know the cultural heritage of the capital of Great Britain. It will definitely touch your heart. Learn more at londonname.
History dating back to the 12th century
Around the 12th century, Stratford Langthorne Abbey bought three mills on the territory that in modern times became one of the London neighbourhoods. Since then, this area has been called Three Mills. However, in some other sources (old books and other written materials), you can find information about eight or even nine mills located there. Probably, it will remain a secret forever. After all, such references date back to about 1000 years ago and it is unlikely that anyone will find out the truth. So, currently, we know exactly about three mills, which were quite unique for those times. They were the first recorded examples of a tidal mill. Their mechanisms were powered by water that accumulated in the pond during high tide. In the 1530s, mills were used for grinding flour for bakers from Stratford Atte Bowe. They could boast of the excellent quality of their bread, which became popular throughout London. In the 17th century, mills played an important role in the alcohol trade. They were grounding grain, which was later used for distilling alcohol. At that time, two mills produced around 125 tons of ground products weekly. In addition, there are other industrial facilities nearby, which are reminiscent of a once bustling industrial place. During the entire history of their existence, those facilities often changed their owners.
Mills during the Second World War
Many things changed with the beginning of the Second World War. A lot of objects in that industrial centre were damaged due to the air raids on the city in 1941. In particular, The Miller’s House was destroyed (it was rebuilt in 1995). Later, the Three Mills bottled and stored the products of Hedges & Butler and Bass Charrington. After the terrible events of the war, the mills and the objects located nearby continued to serve as a place for bottling wine and other alcoholic beverages.
Picturesque location
The Three Mills are located in East London. This place impresses with its picturesque scenery. A large part of the territory near the mills is a water body. The combination of old buildings and beautiful green spaces often attracts many artists who create unique works of art here. Nowadays, mills no longer fulfil their primary functions but have become objects of historical value. The opposite plot of land is quite unique as well. This 26-acre site was formerly a cooper’s factory, which produced barrels to support the mills’ functioning. The entire site is now one of London’s oldest preserved industrial centres. Various conferences and other similar events are often held in the buildings of the mills and nearby facilities. Sometimes, they are used to create and implement educational projects. In general, you can come here just to feel the vibe of fascinating old London for a moment.