The House Mill — Attraction in London

My visit to the House Mill ( 20/9/22) was when I walked around Three Mills Island - Green & park, and although not open weekdays, I intend to revisit when the museum and Millers House is open to the public on Sundays (only) from 1100am to 1600pm up to November. However, the House Mill was undergoing building restoration during my visit and I did manage to roam around the building from close quarters to obtain some photos. Structurally, an impressive Mill, robustly constructed adding to a picturesque scene on the River Lea and adjoining Bow Creek. Certainly a significant and prominent historic landmark worth visiting when exploring the Lea Valley. The C18th House Mill is situated on the River Lea, and is part of the Three Mills complex. The House Mill reputedly being the largest tidal Water Mill in the U.K., although the actual water mills have no longer been operational since 1940. Also it is a Grade 1 listed building, one of four Grade 1 listed buildings today that remain in the London Borough of Newham. The original tidal mill dates back to the Domesday Book 1086. The House Mill was built in 1776 by Daniel Bisson, but was rebuilt by Philip Metcalfe after fire damage in 1802. The Clock Mill built in 1817 by Philip Metcalfe. The House Mill from that period is what remains standing and seen of today. REVISITED: The House Mill on Sunday 9/10/22. A FANTASTIC AND VERY INTERESTING DAY! WELL WORTH THE VISIT FOR ANYONE WHO HAS A GENERAL INTEREST IN LONDON'S HISTORY BUT ALSO IN PARTICULAR OUR WATERMILLS AND WATERWAYS. A unique historical structure deep rooted and teeming with industrial industrial along this section of the River Lea. The House Mill retains a proud world record in being the largest Watermill of its kind in the world. My most grateful thanks goes to William (The historian / curator) of the House Mill, and also to the supporting staff of the Mill to David and Beverley... lovely teas Beverley and thank you! I thoroughly enjoyed my conversations with William and David, the most learned of English gentleman. They were so very interesting, and so very friendly with charm and humour. Please folks, try and make a date and head for this significant historical London and national world treasure. A spacious, clean welcoming canteen, toilets available, outside seating, souvenirs on sale, and a 'BRILLIANT 👏 ' guide tour for only £10 ( tea inclusive). The Mill at the time of visit currently undergoing restoration work....it needs all the financial support one could manage or offer. Disabled parking by the Mill. Open Sundays (11am to 4pm) only until November. Best regards, Chris.👍 ps. This picturesque hidden little corner of East London will surprisingly open anyone's eyes...

13 of us had an absolutely wonderful experience at House Mill, Three Mill Lane, London yesterday, thanks to the exceptional tour guide Jeff and the delightful cafe manager Bev! (Fresh quality coffee, teas and chocolate cake, with other treats available!) Jeff’s fascinating tour of the historic House Mill was a true highlight. His passion for the site’s rich history, from its origins as the world’s largest surviving tidal mill to its role in London’s gin and flour trade, brought the past to life. He was engaging, knowledgeable, and sprinkled in fascinating anecdotes that made the tour both informative and entertaining. Jeff’s enthusiasm was infectious, and his ability to answer questions with depth relating to our rowing group and humor made the experience unforgettable. Whether explaining the mechanics of the tidal mill or sharing stories about East London’s heritage, he made every moment captivating. After the tour, we visited the Miller’s House Cafe, where Bev’s warm hospitality shone through. She greeted us with a genuine smile and made us feel right at home top quality teas, coffees and cakes. The cafe itself is a charming spot by the canal, offering stunning views that feel more like a European riverside than central London. Bev’s attention to detail ensured our coffee and homemade cake were perfect, and her friendly chats about the mill and local area added a personal touch to our visit. The cafe’s cozy atmosphere and affordable, delicious treats made it the ideal place to relax post-tour. House Mill is a hidden gem, a Grade I listed treasure steeped in history, with beautifully preserved water wheels and a serene riverside setting. Combining Jeff’s stellar tour with Bev’s welcoming cafe experience, a visit here is a must for anyone seeking a unique slice of London’s heritage. Highly recommend! Thank you, Jeff and Bev, for making our day so special—we’ll be back...

Historic element of English history.

The House Mill lies on an island, known since the medieval period as Three Mills. The Domesday Book recorded Britain’s earliest known mills here in 1086, whilst the foundations of the current House Mill date back to 1380-1420.

The mills provided flour for the local bakers of Stratford-atte-Bow who sold their bread in the City of London. A rare exception is recorded in 1588, the year of the Spanish Armada, when a gunpowder mill contributed to England’s war effort against Spain.

With the advent of the Gin Craze in the 18th century, several entrepreneurs came together to put the mills to an altogether different use – as part of the Three Mills Distillery. With supply contracts to the Royal Navy, the company grew in success and had its own carpenters, coopers and even operated a large farm of pigs, fedon waste products.

In 1776 the House Mill was built on the site of an earlier mill and between two houses, hence its name.The iconic Clock Mill, opposite, was rebuilt in 1817. There was also a third mill, a windmill, which survived until about 1840.

In the early 19th century the distillery was owned by the Tory MP Philip Metcalfe, before its acquisition by J&W Nicholson & Co in 1872 which produced the once popular Lamplighter Gin and established a network of freehouses, many of which continue today.

The House Mill ceased milling in 1941 after the area was bombed during the Second World War, but the Clock Mill continued to...