Clapton Mill is a former

watermill A watermill or water mill is a mill that uses hydropower. It is a structure that uses a water wheel or water turbine to drive a mechanical process such as milling (grinding), rolling, or hammering. Such processes are needed in the production of ...

located in the hamlet of Clapton,

West Crewkerne Crewkerne ( ) is a town and electoral ward in Somerset, England, southwest of Yeovil and east of Chard all in the South Somerset district. The civil parish of West Crewkerne includes the hamlets of Coombe, Woolminstone and Henley – and ...

Somerset ( en, All The People of Somerset) , locator_map = , coordinates = , region = South West England , established_date = Ancient , established_by = , preceded_by = , origin = , lord_lieutenant_office =Lord Lieutenant of Somerset , lord_ ...

, England. The existing mill dates back to the 18th century, but was extensively rebuilt in 1864. An earlier mill has existed on the same site since the 13th century. The mill, along with its aqueduct, has been Grade II* Listed since 1987, primarily for the surviving machinery which dates back to the 19th century rebuild.

History

One of the earliest references to Clapton Mill is dated 1228, when Baldwin of Clapton, then Lord of the Manor, obtained the mill. During the 17th century, the mill was referred to as Langdon's Mill and Lower Mill. Following the 1864 rebuild, the Lockyer family became tenants of Clapton Mill in 1870 and later purchased it in 1901. It remained in operation under Lockyer and Son until 1991. After its closure, the Lockyers sold the property in 1995. The new owners made plans to return the mill to commercial use, while also attracting visitors as a working museum. In 2006, a hydro-electric turbine was installed at the mill to generate green energy. Tours of the mill are operated on an appointment-only basis.

References

{{Commons category, Clapton Mill Watermills in Somerset Flour mills in the United Kingdom Grade II* listed watermills Grade II* listed buildings in South Somerset 1864 establishments in England