According to the date-stone the mill was built in 1733, but some of the structure may be earlier.

Attached to the mill is a 17th-century miller's cottage which is also Grade I listed.

The property is in Dedham Vale, a typically English rural landscape.

The Hay Wain, which features Willy Lott's Cottage, was painted from the front of the mill.

It is owned by the National Trust which leases it to the Field Studies Council.