Alton Watermill, Mill House and Cart Lodge
from Stutton
Built: mid 18th century
The mill house dates from 1765 although an extension was added in the Victorian period. The mill and the cart lodge were both built at the turn of the 19th century. They were relocated to the museum in 1973 prior to the construction of Alton water reservoir under whose waters they would otherwise now rest. The buildings stand in the same layout as they were in the village of Holbrook.
In 1879 Robert Southgate (1850-1922) became the miller. Before serving his millers apprenticeship at Bradley Mill, he attended grammar school. This made him well educated in comparison to many other workers. His daughter recalls him reading the weekly papers to fellow villagers.
A miller's job was extremely hard work and time consuming. Robert Southgate worked day and night, closing at 6pm on Saturday and re-opening at 6am on Monday. Southgate was also a corn-merchant with a stand on the corn exchange in Ipswich.
Not only did he produce large sacks of flour to sell to businesses, but he also ground smaller amounts of wheat brought to him by the locals.