The mill in Throop village has been present in some regard since the 11th century passing through various ownerships, including monks from Quarr Abbey. The mill was recorded in William the Conqueror's Domesday Book in 1086, although it is unclear whether it was in its current location or nearby. The foundations of an earlier building have been discovered in the existing mill. The current building is from the late 19th Century.[1][2][3]
The most recent owners of the mill when it was still in operation were Parsons and Sons. They used the mill until selling it in 1957.[4] Their name still remains on the outside of the mill. The mill has been closed since 1974, when it stopped operating due to water drying up with the creation of a flood relief scheme further up the river. Although not in use, the early 20th-century milling machinery still remains. Examples of this can still be seen, notably the 50" turbine drove water for mill. This is located on the grass outside the mill and was made by local Ringwood firm, Armfields.[5][6][7]
The building gained its 'listed' status thanks to its sluice gates, with Historic England stating "despite the mid-C20 date of the machinery, the structure is remarkably complete and an increasingly rare survival of its type". The mill and nearby surrounding areas are popular locations for walking and fishing, with several walking routes alongside the River Stour towards Muscliff and Holdenhurst.[5]
For decades campaigners have advocated for the mill's restoration as a visitor centre, museum, or cafe. However, the current owners Heygate & Sons previously expressed that the presence of original milling equipment "suppressed the potential value of the site" and have generally kept the building mothballed.[8][9][10]
In October 2024 Throop Mill was put up for sale. The property has been listed with a guide price in excess of £500,000.[1][11]
