A History of Thames Watermills

The history of the River Thames is inexorably linked to the rights of navigation and water management. Long before there were pound locks on the River Thames, water management was haphazard at best and flooding was frequent. The vested interests in maintaining the river included millers and fishermen. The owners of the mills held sway over navigation, deliberately holding back the water to suit their interests, which led to conflict and, sometimes, fights and vandalism. Many watermills had wooden gears, and it is thought that fires caused by the friction of these wheels may have led to their demise. When trading ceased, these watermills were often demolished, converted in some way or the sites sold off. It is no coincidence that many of the modern pound locks were constructed adjacent to or on former mill sites. Brian Eade sheds new light on the disappearance of many Thames watermills and explores the history of these fascinating structures. Lavishly illustrated, including some images never published before, this book will provide endless fascination for those drawn to the banks and waters of England’s favourite river.