Early History

The presence of Neolithic flint tools found around Otterton village indicates that the whole area has been in use since early times. Roman remains found close by on both sides of the River Otter suggest there was probably a watermill at Otterton from about 100AD; indeed the original idea of a European water mill was based on the work of a Roman engineer, Vitruvius, but was not fully implemented until medieval times.

The earliest written record of Otterton Mill appears to be in the Doomsday Book that indicates that Otterton Mill was already well established by the time of the Norman Conquest.
1068 40 shillings for the two water driven "fulling" mills (used in
wool-making) and the flour mill with three working pairs of mill-stones at Otterton. The Manor was valued at £18
1407 £5.16s.2p to the owners, the Abbey. The income of Otterton Manor was £83.19s.8½p
1414 There were two fulling mills, a flour mill and a forge on the
same mill stream.
1785 Annual rent was £65
1812 Rent increased to £90
1859 Another increase to £100
1950 The mill was closed.
1977 It took several years to restore and with one pair of stones to grind flour for use in the bakery.
2003 Refurbished and again provides wholemeal flour (ground from organic wheat) for use in the restaurant, bakery and shop.
The Mill Workings
Educate yourself on the inner workings of the mill.
[Click here]		 Milling
Interesting information on the milling process and the stones..
[Click here]


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