National Trust - White Mill — Attraction in Shapwick

White Mill, National Trust Property, Sturminster Marshall, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 4BX. England. 2018 Opening times. 31 March 2018 - 28 October 2018 Saturday - Sunday 12:00 - 17:00 Admission by guided tour, last tour 4 pm. On the 27th October 2018 ~ I visited this very old Water Mill next to the River Stour at Sturminster Marshall in the county of Dorset. It stands in the manor of Shapwick and was purchased by Henry Bankes of Kingston Lacy house in 1773. He found having purchased it that although there was a resident miller called John Joyce no rent was forthcoming from this property. An agreement between John Joyce and Henry Bankes was that a sum of £20 per annum would be paid by Joyce to Henry Bankes the owner if he rebuilt and then maintained the mill. The cost of all this came to about £370.00 a huge amount then in today's value it would amount to about £300,000. The National Trust has since spent about that sum of money since taking over the running of White Mill. The main building is built of brick except the Wheel Chamber which is built of stone. The stone work dates back to around the 14th Century in the period the then Duke of Lancaster held the manor as a grant from the then King. Radiocarbon dating was used to determine the dating to the 14th Century and was then reinforced by the fact that timbers used in the foundations of the beautiful stone bridge that spans the River Stour next to this mill. There is no definite date that can be attributed to this beautiful stone built bridge. However there are references to a bridge across this river dating back to records as far back as 1175. It is thought that the bridge in the current form could well have been built in he 16th Century. This structure is formed by eight semicircular stone arches with piers that are protected by cut waters it was an unusual construction for a bridge made about this time because the parapets were 12 feet apart. White Mill, is part of the Kingston Lacy estate and is a former watermill that was last rebuilt in 1776 and in use until the end of the 19th century. It is likely that a mill has been on this site since at least the 14th century with references to Wytemull in historic documents dating from 1341. Unusually, whereas most geared wheels seen today are cast-iron, White Mill contains all wooden machinery which would tear out if the machinery if a jam occured and but could be relatively easily replaced. Although now too fragile to ever work again, the mill and its interior have been restored to a display condition by the National Trust, who were bequeathed the Kingston Lacy estate in 1982, and is open for guided tours between March and November ( see National Trust website for opening times and dates ). The scenery and country side around this old mill is outstanding and is a reminder of days gone by when horses were the main transport. The volunteers at this venue are first class, they are pleasant and knowledgeable and give a good account of the history of...

Fascinating 18th century watermill, on a much older site that was recorded in the Domesday Book. The setting by the River Stour is very peaceful and overlooks a historic bridge. On the quiet October afternoon I visited, I was lucky enough to get a personal guided tour. The guide was brilliant, informative and entertaining, and I got to see working models of the mill equipment. The wooden machinery inside the mill is original, and I learnt all about how it worked and why the materials were chosen. If you've ever wondered why mills often have apple trees outside, you'll find out here. There's a parking area across the road, and you can buy a souvenir to remember your visit if you wish. I got in free with National Trust membership, but at the time I visited, the ticket price was just £3.50 for non-members, great value for such an interesting visit. The mill is only open on weekends and closed over winter, so check the website for opening times in advance of visiting to avoid...

Very knowledgeable staff and the guided tour is well worth your time in learning about the mill and the local area. The bridge is the the oldest in Dorset and the mill is part of the Banks estate. There is a 2hr walk which is highlighted at the car park.

Just be aware that the car park does get busy with inconsiderate people that park their Honda’s like they are Volvo trucks which is no fault of the national trust or how the volunteers run the attraction.

Well visit and the apples from the garden are an essential ingredient for any ones home made...