Bourne Mill

I had a lovely morning out with my friend Julie today visiting our favourite place, where we go when we fancy having a girlie treat out...

We went over to Farnham to visit Bourne Mill Antiques. We enjoyed a couple of hours wandering around, then made time for a quick coffee in the Tea Room, before visiting a nearby garden centre for a flying visit before heading home.

According to the Bourne Mill website:

The Bourne Mill straddles a tributary and is a fine example of a 17th century mill building, being one of the oldest remaining in Surrey and is said to be the longest continuous site of business in Farnham. The last of several mills occupying the site by a large millpond, this mill ceased in 1906 and having served for a time as a drinking club in the 1960s( Mick Jagger was allegedly a frequent visitor ), it now has been preserved as a fascinating antiques and crafts centre with full access to the public, and is well worth a visit. The front of this five-storey mill has been modified by the installation of modern windows and four-stepped buttresses to support the façade.

Also:

Recent History

3. In the 1930's there was a Brothel in the Mill. The tiny window in the office overlooking the stairs was to observe people coming in.

4. In the 1960's there was a Night Club in the room on the lower right as you come in. The bar was there ( the actual counter until about 15 yrs ago ). Mick Jagger then unknown allegedly played there and many celebrities of the day visited ,including allegedly the famous couple Christine Keeler and Profumo!!!!!!

5. There is reputedly a ghost in the cellar of an old lady in a rocking chair.

6. The Mill is sited on a tributary to the River Wey originating in Farnham Park with enough flow to power the Mill. The original Mill's stone is in the garden beside the mill now , set in steps leading towards a pleasant mill-pond walk.

7. The Bourne Mill remains virtually untouched despite its history dating back to at least " The Domesday Book ". The original Mill building is on the right with its high attic rooms - there are additions on the left clearly identifiable by ceiling heights.

Anyway, in one of the rooms I spotted this old fire extinguisher - all beautifully polished copper with brass plates on the front. It makes our modern-day painted red ones look very dull by comparison, eh?

This will probably be the first of many Bourne Mill snaps in blips to come...

P.S. I always thought from earlier information about The Mill that it was a 14th Century mill, not 17th Century, but perhaps the earlier leaflet I saw was wrong...?

P.P.S. Mr A was mifded that I hadn't mentioned what a good job he did on pruning the apple trees yesterday. But he did. A lovely job. Both fruit trees now look smart and tidy and a great shape to head into the summer months. (Thank you, Matey X)