This is where we need your help
We are aiming to complete this work and restore the wheel by 2025, but we need your help. The sooner we raise the funds to do this, the sooner we can get the wheel back in action.
Winchester City Mill Wheel Appeal
Our mill wheel has reached the end of its life and with thanks to you, our supporters, we will be restoring this spectacular piece of machinery to enable us to return to milling once again! Pop into the Mill throughout 2025 for the latest updates on how the project is being undertaken and check our Things to See and Do page for details on talks with our millwright.
Why isn't the wheel turning?
Mill wheels naturally go through life cycles. The average mill wheel will last around 15 years until it needs replacing. Our mill wheel has been working hard since 2003, turning through the fast-flowing waters of the River Itchen and being subjected to the rising and falling of water levels after record rainfall in the last few years.
We want to preserve the heritage craft of milling and are making plans to get the wheel turning again, which also means we can produce our flour once again!
Protecting a legacy which dates back centuries is vital to us; millwrighting is considered an endangered craft, and we have a responsibility to protect this for future generations. Repairing the mill wheel is a vital step in giving Winchester back it's working water mill, providing work for the millwright and excellent opportunities for present and future volunteers to step into the milling role.
In an age where everything can, at times, move at a breathtaking pace, we believe in promoting a slower pace of life and putting people back in touch with where their food comes from. We can bring that story to life in the Mill, where you can already learn about the 'Farm to Fork' story.
The next phase is having the wheel restored so visitors can see this story in action, watch the grain being milled and see the process right through to its conclusion. You will be able to buy a bag of flour at the end of your mill your visit, or enjoy or a yummy cake baked using our own flour from our café.
With thanks to you, our supporters, and our brilliant team of volunteers, we have reached our target!
Where did donations for the new mill wheel come from?
- £75,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund
- More than £49,000 from donations boxes
- £21,600 from local donors
- £10,750 from National Trust Supporter Groups
- £5,000 from the sale of otter pin badges
That said, we still need your help, to replace the old sluice gates and other mechanical elements of this wonderful piece of machinery at Winchester City Mill. So please do pop in and say hello, grab an Otter Pin Badge or simply come and learn more about this brilliant project.
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Eating at Winchester City Mill
Situated in the heart of the mill, the café at Winchester City Mill is an ideal spot for tucking into delicious baked products and a hot or cold drink while soaking up the atmosphere of the 1,000-year-old watermill. Every bite helps us look after our places and for the mill in particular, will help to restore the wheel.