Tide Mills of Southern England

Tide mills were used to harness the ebb and flow of the sea, and were located on tidal river estuaries. They date back to Saxon times and were used for various purposes, including flour production. Many tide mills have been lost over time, but some can still be traced today as ruins, scanty remains, and earthworks. Chichester Harbour has the largest concentration of tide mills in the country, and one tide mill in Eling, Hampshire, is still in working order today. Alex Vincent's Tide Mills of Southern England explores the lost tide mills and their remains in the southern counties of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, and Kent, including parts of London that were originally Kent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2024
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

A tide mill, also known as a tidal mill, is a type of mill that utilizes the ebb and flow of the sea to generate power. These mills were typically located on tidal river estuaries, away from the direct impact of the waves but still close to the sea. They consisted of a mill building, outbuildings, a dyke, dam, or causeway, and a millpond beyond. Tide mills have a long history, dating back to Saxon times and possibly even the Roman period. However, many of these mills have since been lost or destroyed, leaving only ruins, scanty remains, and earthworks as evidence of their existence. Nevertheless, some tide mills have managed to survive and can still be found in various locations across southern England. One of the most notable examples is Chichester Harbour, which is believed to have the largest concentration of tide mills in the country. Another notable mill is located at Eling, near Southampton, in Hampshire, where a tide mill is still in working order and produces flour today. The old Flood Mill at Deptford was rebuilt as a steam flour mill, but only the Mumfords Mill remains. Similarly, the tide mill at Faversham became Twymans Mill and is still standing today, although it has been converted into a block of flats. In his book Tide Mills of Southern England, author Alex Vincent explores the lost tide mills and their remains in the southern counties of Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex, and Kent, including parts of London that were originally part of Kent, such as Greenwich and Deptford. This book provides a fascinating glimpse into the industrial heritage of southern England and the use of renewable technology in centuries past.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 233 x 165 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398116825