Harnham Mill

Harnham Mill, now known as The Old Mill Hotel, is one of the most historic buildings in Harnham. It was originally built around the mid-12th century. It was converted into Wiltshire's first paper mill in the 16th century, a significant transformation that involved diverting the River Nadder to flow through the building. The building retains much of its original character and medieval architecture, including Chilmark stone, moulding, and quatrefoil windows, and is now a pub, restaurant and hotel. 

The history of the mill is a little confused as 3 mills existed in Harnham from the 12th century. This is the current acknowledged history of this building.

From 1299 to 1386 the mill was in the ownership of the Pinnock family and acted as a Fulling Mill. The water was powering devices to pound woollen cloth to cleanse and thicken it. 

The mill changed hands a number of times all the way through to 1848. By this time it had become a bone mill, grinding bones to make fertiliser. Its association with animal products meant is was an ideal site to become a candle factory possibly alongside the bone milling. 

By the 1930s the building had become abandoned. It then became a country club before finally being converted to the restaurant and hotel you see today.