History and heritage

About The Water Mill

You could say that The Water Mill has seen a few changes … this isn’t exactly surprising when you consider that it has been here for around 1,000 years!

It was first mentioned in the Domesday Book A.D.1086, which means that it is the original Isle of Wight attraction!
With a history going back a thousand years, The Water Mill has supplied flour and animal feeds to the people of the Isle of Wight. Driven solely by the waterwheel, the stone mill (the oldest part of the mill) produces flour, using grit stones and burr stones. The mill produces up to sixty tons of flour and oats each year. You can buy a range of flours, oats and mueslis in our gift shop, in shops all over the Island and at our online shop.

Key dates and changes of ownership

1086

In Domesday Book it is stated that there are two mills at Calbourne, worth 6s. 3d.

In later days it was originally described as two Corn Mills under one roof, being a Wheat Mill and a Malt Mill known as Mylplace Mill with a Dwelling House and Malthouse.

20th May, 1592

Richard Urrey (in conveyance of land at Newtown) is described of Mylplace, Calbourne.

25th October, 1634

By a Feoffment John Erlisman of Westover conveyed the mill to Barnabas Leigh Jnr. of Thorley. It evidently passed to the Dillington family as –

25th January, 1686

Edward Dillington leasead the mill to Dowsabell Barker, widow of Yaverland.

1697

Sir John Dillington of Knighton sold the mill to William Crannidge of Calbourne for three score pounds.

29th September, 1724

William Crannidge died leaving it to his son William Crannidge of Newschurch, Maltster.

17th February, 1753

William Crannidge died leaving it to his son William Crannidge who sold it to Thomas Hollis of Calbourne.

26th October, 1763

Thomas Hollis died and left the mill to his son David. (An interesting item in this will is that his daughter Catherine is left ‘the bed on which she usually lies together with the furniture of the bedstead and the bolsters and pillows’).

6th April, 1781

David Hollis, by his will proved this date, left the mill to his brother James. It was conveyed to his nephew William Edwards, subject to an annual rent charge, which by will, was left to Dinah Hollis, widow.

12th September, 1802

Dinah Hollis conveyed the rent charge to William Edwards.

31st May, 1806

William Edwards by will, proved 06/04/1803, left the mill to his wife Rebecca, subject to legacies to his two daughters Ann and Jane, a life interest in the mill, and at her death to pass to his son James.

6th July, 1814

James Edwards, with the consent of the various parties, sells the mill to Thomas Way of Shalfleet.

14th August, 1840

Thomas Way dies leaving the mill to his son William.

22nd May, 1859

William Way died and his trustees sell

6th April, 1869

…To J. A. Long of Pembroke Dock, Schoolmaster.

23rd March, 1878

J.A. Long, now described as a Miller of Calbourne, sells the mill to George Weeks, described as an accountant of Brixton Rise, London.

March, 2000

The mill is sold to the Chaucer family.

Experience the enchanting Water Mill at Calbourne, a historic gem milling for over 1,000 years. Revel in picturesque views, tranquil landscapes, and delight in homemade cream tea crafted from our own flour. Engage with nature by feeding the birds, observing the mill in action, and exploring rural museums. Nestled in the heart of the Island’s biosphere, we offer a perfect day out for the entire family.

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