[1][3][4] The earliest reference to a mill on this site is in 1728; it had been in used some time, as significant repairs were made in 1731.

It is shown on a map of the Lucy estate in 1736, with the watercourses in the same layout as at present, with two waterwheels.

In 1978 the west waterwheel was made to turn for the filming of the BBC's adaptation of The Mill on the Floss.

[1][3] The owner, Sir Edmund Fairfax-Lucy, sought to rent out the mill: the new miller undertook repairs, including renewing the paddles of the waterwheels and the sluice gates, and in 1981 the building was brought back into use, milling flour, without the machinery of the early 20th century.

The water passes on both sides of the building, with an undershot waterwheel at either end; the wheels and associated machinery flank the central working area.