The Mills Archive

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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

09/10/2026

Have you signed up for our upcoming workshop at Upminster Windmill yet?
🔗https://www.eventbrite.com/e/translating-the-mill-tickets-2002154487970

📸 Wooden wheel at Hingham Mill (Beare), Eglowshayle, Cornwall
Undated photograph by Oliver M
The Millers' Mutual Association Collection

08/10/2026

Ever wondered what terms like Petticoat, Sack Hoist, or Jog Skrye actually mean? Join The Mills Archive Trust at Upminster Windmill for a fun, hands-on workshop: "Translating the Mill"!

For centuries, mills have been the heart of local agriculture and community life. In this interactive session, we’ll demystify historic milling terms through fast-paced word games, sensory redefinitions, and paper collage using archival drawings. Together, we’ll create a brand-new community glossary that could shape future visitor guides and educational tools!

📅 When: Saturday, 17th October | 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Where: Upminster Windmill

🎟️ Cost: FREE but sign up via the link below! (Spaces are limited!)
🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/translating-the-mill-tickets-2002154487970

👥 Who it’s for: Educators, heritage fans, creatives, local history buffs, and curious minds. No artistic experience or mill knowledge needed!

28/09/2026

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

(exciting news coming soon!)

18/09/2026

LAST CALL: Sign up to our Guided Tour tomorrow at 12:30 pm. Or come down and view our exhibition, take part in printing your own patch or simply exploring the beautiful garden of Watlington House.

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

Share with your friends, family and neighbours! We're looking forward to seeing you.

18/09/2026

LAST CALL: Sign up to our FREE Guided Tour tomorrow at 12:30 pm. Or come down and view our exhibition, take part in printing your own patch or simply exploring the beautiful garden of Watlington House.

🔗🔗🔗 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/readings-milling-history-walk-tickets-2000391248072?aff=&keep_tld=true

Share with your friends, family and neighbours! We're looking forward to seeing you.

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!

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

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.

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.

28/08/2026

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

Address

Watlington House, 44 Watlington Street
Reading
RG14RJ

Website

https://new.millsarchive.org/

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