Description of the attraction
Humanity has long learned to use the power of flowing water. The first water mills appeared in Rome in the 2nd century BC, and in the Middle Ages they spread widely throughout Europe. The rotating water wheel was used not only for grinding grain, but also for the production of paper, in the cloth business, in the forge, in the brewery, for sharpening tools, tanning leather, and this is not a complete list.
One of these mills has survived in the ancient city of Winchester in the south of Great Britain. This mill was first mentioned in the Book of the Last Judgment in 1086. It was rebuilt in 1744 and operated until the beginning of the 20th century. It was used as a laundry until 1928, and then it was bought out by a group of enthusiasts. The mill was taken over by the National Trust. The Trust rented it, and until 2004 it housed a youth hostel. In 2004, a lengthy restoration was completed and the mill began to grind grain again.
It is now a popular tourist attraction. The mill is open during the summer months, but not every day, so it is better to check the date of the tour in advance. You can come here with the whole family and watch how the rushing stream of water turns heavy wheels. At the entrance you are greeted by an old baker's bicycle - with a basket full of fresh pastries and an advertisement for the mill. There are posters with diagrams on the walls, a mock-up of a water mill stands nearby, but if something is not clear to you, the volunteers working at the mill will tell you how flour is made, how bread is baked, and will answer all your questions. It will be interesting for children to solve in practice puzzles about sacks of flour and scales.
The flour from this mill is used to bake bread, rolls, etc. in cafes owned by the National Trust.
