The Mills Archive

The Mills Archive Accredited Archive and Library for all things milling, wind and water power and renewable energy.

We are working to create a world in which the role of milling and all its contributors – from ancient times and up to present day – are understood, valued and recognised as integral to people’s histories and lives today

Upminster Windmill in 1930. And a miller on the stone floor. From the Rex Wailes Collection. (exciting news coming soon!...
28/09/2026

Upminster Windmill in 1930.
And a miller on the stone floor.
From the Rex Wailes Collection.

(exciting news coming soon!)

A fascinating tower mill house conversion at Tainter's Hill Mill, Kenilworth. May 1985, photographed by Frank Gregory. F...
17/09/2026

A fascinating tower mill house conversion at Tainter's Hill Mill, Kenilworth.
May 1985, photographed by Frank Gregory.
FWGC-1112049

Have you noticed any mill conversions of particular interest? Share them below!

A three arched wall of Abbey Mill, Reading. READ-1257057 (Use this reference code to find it on our digital catalogue. J...
16/09/2026

A three arched wall of Abbey Mill, Reading.
READ-1257057 (Use this reference code to find it on our digital catalogue.

Join our walk this Saturday to find out more of Reading's Milling History!
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/2000391248072?aff

We are delighted to participate in this year's Heritage Open Days! On 19th September, join us at The Mills Archive Trust...
14/09/2026

We are delighted to participate in this year's Heritage Open Days! On 19th September, join us at The Mills Archive Trust in Reading for a complimentary exhibition, a drop-in screenprinting workshop, or a guided tour of Reading's Milling History. Registration is required for the guided tour, as spaces are limited.

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/readings-milling-history-walk-tickets-2000391248072

The exhibition will be open from 11:30 to 3pm. Feel free to bring your own tote bags, clothing, or tea-towels to experience screenprinting your own mills.

Stephen Buckland’s Mill DrawingsAn incredible collection of interpretive sketches by molinological artist Stephen Buckla...
01/09/2026

Stephen Buckland’s Mill Drawings

An incredible collection of interpretive sketches by molinological artist Stephen Buckland, capturing the intricate craft of the millwright. Drawn from original manuscripts, maps, engravings, and stained glass windows, each piece reflects Buckland’s dedicated study using a camera, measuring tape, pencil, trained eye, and extraordinary memory.

Published by The Mills Archive Trust, this publication offers a unique glimpse into historic milling design. Explore John Stephen Percy Buckland’s full archive collection through the Mills Archive catalogue, and stay tuned...copies will be available for purchase in our online bookstore opening very soon!

All drawings copyright of The Mills Archive Trust.

A fun little postcard from at least 1911!Check out more vintage postcards on The Mills Archive Trust's online catalogue.
28/08/2026

A fun little postcard from at least 1911!
Check out more vintage postcards on The Mills Archive Trust's online catalogue.

Animals were first used to turn millstones in Greece and Italy in the 4th century BC. The ‘hour-glass’ or Pompeiian mill...
22/08/2026

Animals were first used to turn millstones in Greece and Italy in the 4th century BC. The ‘hour-glass’ or Pompeiian mill, turned by a donkey or horse, was probably the earliest form of powered mill to be used in Britain, introduced by the Romans in the 1st century AD.

These mills were a technological advance on the older hand operated rotary querns and were perhaps ten times as efficient. They consisted of a conical lower stone and an hourglass shaped upper stone which rotated above it. A wooden structure was attached via the rectangular holes on each side of the hourglass. Contemporary reliefs show donkeys harnessed to the wooden poles, although it seems possible humans may have worked the mill in some cases.

The earliest known example of this type of mill was recovered from a fourth century BC shipwreck off the coast of Majorca. Mills of this design were also used in mines to crush ore; this may have been their original function before the technology was adapted to flour milling.

1. Animal powered Pompeiian Mill. Photographed by Sue Watts, 2016. SWAT-008
2. Mill and bakery in Pompeii. Drawing c. 1800. MWAT-035
3. 3D Diagram of an hourglass mill excavated at Princes' Street in London. Drawn by John Kenneth Major. JKMC-DRW-23-007

Looking up at Cranbrook. EMGC-05-02-18
20/08/2026

Looking up at Cranbrook.
EMGC-05-02-18

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Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street
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