Conservation in action at Winchester City Mill

For centuries, City Mill has been an integral part of Winchester’s heritage. From its early Anglo Saxon origins to the present day, it has withstood the demands of time. During the heavy floods over the winter of 2013/14, the Mill suffered huge damage with much of the building inundated by the main flow of the river. The sheer weight of water posed a real threat of carrying the building’s walls away.

In 2017 we embarked on a fundraising campaign. Thanks to the generosity of our visitors and the local community we’re now able to begin the vital repairs needed to save this much-loved building. Read on to find out about changes to your visit, and a rare opportunity to watch conservation in action.

Saving Winchester City Mill, one beam at a time

Thanks a Mill-ion

Thank you to everyone who helped save Winchester City Mill; we've been overwhelmed by your support. You came to the rescue in your droves; buying raffle tickets, giving donations, supporting our Millathon and duck race and hosting your own fundraising events to raise money for us. Because of you, we are now able to safeguard the survival of Winchester City Mill for generations to come.

Welcome to Winchester City Mill, Hampshire, gateway to the South Downs

Exciting and important changes to your visit 

March 20 - early July: See first-hand how the money raised is being used to ensure the future of Britain’s oldest working watermill.

Find out what you can expect from a visit to the Mill while the repair work is carried out.
A damaged structural beam at Winchester City Mill

Significant flood damage 

The River Itchen, which flows through the Mill, provides the energy for us to mill flour. But as much as the river is our friend, it can also be our foe.

The rotten oak joists have been revealed at Winchester City Mill, National Trust, Hampshire

Vital repair work has begun 

In 2017, emergency propping had to be installed to provide vital support to the building. After raising over £90,000, we are now making permanent repairs to ensure the structure stays standing. Follow the progress of the project as it unfolds.

Work has begun to save Winchester City Mill, working watermill in the heart of Winchester, Hampshire Play Video
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Keep up to date with City Mill's restoration project



Take a sneak peek at history being made, and secured for the future, with our time lapse video footage. See into the bowels of the building and watch intricate repairs being made to oak beams that haven’t see the light of day for decades.

The restored waterwheel at Winchester City Mill

A brief history of Winchester City Mill 

From its Saxon origins through to the days of the agricultural and industrial revolutions, City Mill has an ancient and storied past. Discover a brief history of the building that we’re trying to save.

JMW Turner's graphite on paper sketch of Winchester City Mill

Milestones and millstones: a timeline 

Take a trip back in time and discover a few of the Mill's most historic moments. From Domesday and dissolution, to its capture in a sketchbook by one of Britain's greatest ever painters.

Otter on the riverbank at Winchester City Mill Play Video
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It's not just humans who want to save the Mill

In 1994, three otters were reintroduced to the River Itchen. Since then, these rare and elusive creatures have thrived. The otters’ adventures are captured by our motion activated cameras as they emerge from under the Mill. Otters are so often spotted at City Mill that our footage has regularly featured on nature programmes such as Springwatch and Countryfile. It’s vitally important that this project continues.

More on our otters
" Winchester City Mill is probably the oldest working watermill in the country, one of Winchester’s much-loved historic treasures and our visitors love to see it in action. It is only with your support that we can keep the Mill open to visitors in the future, to tell its story for the next generation."
- Dame Helen Ghosh, former Director-General
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