Old Tide Mill and Dam Wall attached to north (EHER 35127)

Late 18th century tide mill disused, but was renovated in 1977. It consisted of a four storey brick and tiled fragment with hoist loft and a nearby dam across the river. On the west side was an early 19th century one and two storey brick and slated granary with pyramidal kiln.

Old Tide Mill/extended former tide mill. <1> Tidemill. Late 18th century. A disused 4 storey brick and tiled fragment with hoist loft and nearby dam across River Crouch and adjacent, on west side, is early 19th century 1 and 2 storey brick and slated granary with pyramidal kiln at east end, once used in association with the tidemill and a rare survivor itself. Both buildings were being renovated in 1977. <2> 2008. Survey. Records show that a tide mill was rebuilt shortly before 1775 and comprised 4 floors, two wheels, three flour mills and four pairs of stones. It was nearly destroyed by fire in 1815 and its owner John Desley was bankrupt by 1836. Prior to this it had been rebuilt and the two wheels replaced by one larger breast shot wheel working five pairs of stones. The mill was then purchased by William Taylor Meeson who eventually replaced it with a steam mill built on the north bank and below the bridge around the turn of the century. The old tide mill building was demolished in 1902-03 leaving just the dam, mill shut and by valve. Olde Tide Mill survives as a 3½ storey yellow stock brick granary, abutted by a part basemented but rebuilt red brick tidemill with a pan tile roof, between it and the tidal pond. A channel was excavated from the tide pond adjacent to the old mill to power the Matthews Mill formerly situated downstream of the bridge and on the south bank. However problems maintaining correct water levels proved to be too difficult and water power was abandoned in preference of gas engines. This channel is now culverted and reportedly runs parallel to the Crouch to discharge back into the river on the eastern side of the bridge. The millstones were apparently situated on the first floor of the (demolished) red brick range and were under-driven via a spur wheel on the floor below. Single and two storey 19th century ranges lie to the west. Externally the ‘mill’ (or more accurately the granary) has changed little from the list description, it remains in good order and it retains most of its C19 windows. Internally some of the cast-iron columns remain although no milling or associated apparatus survive. The waterwheel is a modern replica built and installed by the present owner who runs the Skee-Tex business from the premises. It is his intention that the present replica waterwheel will eventually be used to generate low levels of electricity (pers. comm.). No original mill gearing or apparatus survives within either the rebuilt tidemill or the granary. Current Use: Business. Condition: Good. <3> See also: <4>