PAKENHAM WATER MILL
The last working water mill in Suffolk
For almost a thousand years millers on this site have
been using the simple technology of
water power to produce stone-ground wholemeal flour from
locally grown wheat. Now owned by the Suffolk Building
Preservation Trust, a team of dedicated volunteers continue
the long tradition and provide guided tours for visitors
from Easter to September.
Several things make Pakenham Water Mill a very
special place. The buildings consist of the early 19th
century four-storey mill itself and the adjoining Mill House
which is even older. Both are Grade II* listed buildings and
the house contains a remarkable brick open fireplace with
bread oven and brewing vat dating from the early 18th
century.
This
will be open to the public for the first time in 2008.
Other treasures include the 1904 Blackstone oil
engine and a very rare Tattersall roller mill
installed in the 1930s to produce white flour, which awaits
restoration.
Keeping alive the skill of milling stone-ground
wholemeal flour in the traditional way is just as important
as preserving the buildings and milling can be seen on
most Thursday mornings.
Our
flour is on sale at the mill and in selected shops and
farmers' markets around Suffolk.. There are special events
throughout the season ranging from craft demonstrations to
vintage cars and engines.
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