History
Houghton Mill , about 1930
© National Trust
Flowing through time
In 1086, the Domesday Book recorded 5,624 watermills in operation in England.
At its peak in the 19th century, Houghton Mill had three water wheels powering ten pairs of stones. They could grind a tonne of flour an hour.
From awkward medieval abbots to Victorian entrepreneurs, read the stories that have shaped Houghton.
A brief history
We've been at the heart of our community for a thousand years. You can discover more about the place, its people and what went on here.
Potto Brown's mill
Houghton's son Potto Brown was a colourful character. A very religious man, his daily prayer was that he might be 'acute in business, successful at market and able to make money'.
Youth hostelling days
From ghostly bumps in the night, to waking up in a snow covered bunk bed we are collecting the memories of those who remember staying here when Houghton Mill was a youth hostel.