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Peter Knight who rebuilt Bishopstone Mill in 1818. Picture courtesy of Stephen Austin from Lancashire
Bishpstone Mill from the north. Photo by Neil B. Maw
Bishopstone Mill from the north 2. Photo by Neil B. Maw
Bishopstone Mill from the south. Photo by Neil B. Maw
The Mill in 1925. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
Bishopstone Mill in 1920. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
The Mill Wheel in 1920. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
The Mill Wheel end of the building circa 1970. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
The surprisingly large back of the building built on steep sloping ground. Circa 1970. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams

Bishopstone Mill (north Wiltshire)

This property forms the centre of the village with the building on the north side of the road and the pond that fed it on the south. It is perfectly located to harness the power of the water coming off the Downland behind. The mill house location takes advantage of a steep-sloping, ancient water course that carved itself into a valley, and allows gravity to exert its full force of water on to the wheel.

The Victoria County History notes that there was a mill at Bishopstone in the mid 13th century, and up to four in the following two centuries. The mill building that stood on the site in 1788 was said to have housed two grist mill stones. It was rebuilt by Peter Knight in 1818 and made larger in order to house three pairs of stones. Milling was thought to have come to an end between 1903 - 1907. Today it is a domestic residence.

We were contacted in May 2020 by Stephen Austin in Lancashire concerning Peter Knight who was his 3rd Great Grandfather. We have learned from newspaper research that Peter Knight was described as a Gentleman and he was still in Bishopstone in 1845, when his daughter married George Atherton of Wanborough. To be described as a Gentleman meant that he would not have carried out manual work, he was sufficiently wealthy. We are grateful to Stephen Austin for allowing us to use the picture of Peter Knight.

The census for 1841, lists Peter Knight at East Brook, Bishopstone, with his wife Eleanor and three children. The same census lists that the mill was operated by Thomas Crook, who was a boarder with the household of Eunice Bowsher. The 1851 census lists George Thrush as the miller, who lived with his wife Elizabeth and his mother Mary. Peter Knight died in 1856 aged 80 and was buried in the churchyard at Bishopstone on 9th December. The 1861 census lists John Turtle as a, 'Miller and Baker Master, employing one man.' His wife is Rachel and he had three children and a house servant. The census for 1881 named the Miller as Thomas Stevens and states the, 'Mill House,' Bishopstone, and he is shown to still be there by the census of 1891 at the age of 84. His nephew William Stevens had taken over and is listed as the miller on the 1901 census, aged 60.

There being no miller listed on the 1911 census would seem to confirm that milling ceased at this site shortly after 1901.

 

 

  • Year:
    2018
  • Place:
    Bishopstone
  • Ref:
    Online only
  • Item Ref:
    N207
  • Find it:
    Online only

 

 

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We are always on the look-out for more information about Shrivenham and district. If you have old photos, know of historical facts, old documents (especially deeds) please contact us...

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