In the better weather months, I love to walk to the nearby villages of Hemmingford Grey, Hemmingford Abbots and Houghton. In the summertime, the fields are dotted with - people, people pushing prams, people pushing geriatrics in wheelchairs, kids on bikes and lots of puppy dogs - all walking the well-used paths in the fields. Everyone out and about, enjoying the beauty of rural England, and hopefully an appearance from the sun. Along the way, one might stop at the pub for a cold beer, at a tea room for a cuppa or an ice cream from the local grocers. It really is, one large social gathering of people from all over the country. A very big attraction on this scenic walk is Houghton Mill. I found this wonderful, old black and white photo, taken in the early 1900's. The Mill looks very much the same today.
Since before the Norman Conquest, there has always been a mill at this site. This current mill dates from approximately - the 18th century. It sets on an island foundation and is the last working water mill on the Great Ouse. Today, the mill is owned and cared for by the National Trust. It still has a working water wheel which is operational on weekends and Bank Holidays. One can actually purchase a sack of flour which has been ground by this ancient mill. The history of the mills that have set on this historic site - is detailed, some destroyed by fire, owned by monks, a Quaker and Kings even. I've only provided a few historic facts about Houghton Mill - I'll leave it up to you, to do the research - I'm here for the photography of this lovely old building. This photo was borrowed from Kevin Sinclair's website. He gives permission to use it, as long as I give him credit for the photo. Fair enough. I have no photo of the mill in it's entirety, as I like to take photos a bit differently. I like to examine the architectural detail in bits and pieces. Many years ago, I was fortunate enough to work for the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation and the experience inspired me so much - I now have a fierce love for architectural detail. If you ever visit Phoenix, Arizona - please be sure to tour FLW's "winter camp" - Taliesin - for an example of Wrights organic architecture.
That's a real bird sitting up there ! Quack, quack !
This is the hut which houses the impressive mill wheel.
This is the retired mill wheel that sits right outside Houghton Mill - it has an ancient beauty.
I do believe this is the Wardens(?) House - the person who looks after Houghton Mill. Maybe they call them caretakers here in England ? The house is right across the street from the mill and always has unique, orange flowers growing by it's door in the summer months. A delightful house !
Behind Houghton Mill, right after you cross the bridge, you'll find a small group of punts and the man who rents them out. I hope you enjoyed looking at my images of Houghton Mill in detail, the beauty of it's bricks, dark, rough wood and remnants of steel on brick and mortar.
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