Anglesey Abbey Lode Mill

Open Tuesday - Sunday | 11.30am - 2.30pm (last entry 2.15pm)

We're delighted to now have both the ground floor and first floor of the mill open whenever possible, with free flow access for up to 12 people at a time, to ensure we can keep you safe. Volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Please be aware, we are awaiting works to be carried out on the mill and we're therefore unable to currently run it at present. Thank you for your patience during this time, and keep an eye on our social channels for updates on this work.

Staying safe

• The safety of our visitors, volunteers and staff remains our top priority. Face coverings are not compulsory but we recommend that you wear one in any area on your visit which is enclosed and crowded. 
• We'll continue to provide hand sanitiser and stick to our high standards of cleanliness. 
• If you're showing any of the symptoms of coronavirus, or if you've been in contact with anyone that has the virus in the last 10 days, please don't visit.
• The walk from the car park to Lode Mill is approximately 15 minutes from the car park, please bear this in mind when planning your day.
• If you have access needs, there is a ramp which can placed down on request.

A watermill probably stood on the site of Lode Mill at the time of the Domesday survey in 1086. The Mill which stands today is likely to have been built in the eighteenth century.

In 1793 the mill was described in a sale notice as 'Anglesea Watermill with dwelling house, yard, garden, barn, stables and outhouse and 3 acres of pasture adjoining'. Old photographs show the house next to the mill. The house was taken down in the renovation of the 1930s.

In about 1900 the mill was converted from corn grinding to cement grinding. The cement was generally made by firing a mixture of clay and lime or natural chalk at about 400°C and grinding the resulting clinker into a powder.

An engine may have been installed at this time, as inside the mill today there are some shafts, gears and a chain drive that are unusual in a watermill.

The mill was owned by the Bottisham Lode Cement and Brick Company. Bottisham Lode is the stretch of water below the mill, one of a number of lodes that were used as a transport link to the River Cam. The water above the mill is called Quy Water.

Unfortunately, the Bottisham Lode Cement and Brick Company was a victim of competition and the business had closed down by about 1920, leaving the mill to become derelict.