Thorrington Tide Mill (EHER 8494)

Thorrington tide mill is the only remaining tide mill in Essex. The present mill dates from the 19th century but occupies a site where one or more earlier mills formerly stood.

This 19th century tide mill stands on the site of former mills. It is timber-framed and weatherboarded, on a brick plinth. Three storeys, loft and lucam. The wheel is cast iron, flanged, breast-shot. Many of the bucket supports are still in situ. Three pairs of four foot French burr stones are visible. The mill dam is also Listed, is red brick, mainly covered with earth and gravel. Thorrington Mill House is Listed also, is "18th century of (should be or?) earlier origin with late 19th century red brick facing and other alterations and additions"; timber-framed, part plastered, red brick faced; 18th century porch. A sketch in the nearby mill shows the building with a 18th century parapet facade and the same porch. <1> Chapman and Andre map shows a water mill symbol, mill dam and mill pond at this location. <2> Pevsner mentions the tide mill as derelict with a date stone 1831 (curiously the List Description does not mention any date stone). <3> See EHER 8493 for watching brief on site adjacent to mill, in area of wind mill shown also by Chapman and Andre's map. <2> Site Assessment: "This is the only remaining Tide Mill in Essex and one of the very few left in East Anglia." <1>