Willsbridge Mill: A Full History

Early Origins – Iron Rolling Mill (18th Century)

 The story of Willsbridge Mill begins in the early 1700s. In 1712, Thomas Pearsall, a member of the local Pearsall family who lived in nearby Willsbridge House, built the original mill to serve as an iron-rolling (croop-iron) mill, supporting the local metalworking industries.

 Conversion and Flour Milling (19th Century)

 By 1816, the mill was converted from ironworking to a flour/grist mill, and by around 1837, records confirm it was in use grinding grain.

 Operating into the 20th Century

 The mill continued working for well over a century. It was still in use as a grist mill during the 1968 floods, when damage to the weir ended its working life as a water-powered mill.

 Heritage, Decline and Revival

 After milling ceased, the building and surrounding valley fell into disuse for a time, though local people continued to walk and enjoy the site. It became recognised as a Grade II listed building, reflecting its industrial and historic importance.

 Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh CIC (21st Century)

Willsbridge mill community refresh was incorporated as a CIC in May 2014. In 2021, a group of passionate local residents came together to form Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh CIC. Their vision was to restore life to the site, protect its heritage, and open it back up as a space for the whole community. Michael Gray was a founding member and still remains a board member to this day and is essential to the day to day running of the site! 

Since then, the CIC has worked tirelessly to: 

Re-open the café as a welcoming hub. 

Restore the much-loved Fairy Garden and woodland walks. 

Host family-friendly events like the Duck Race Weekend, Fairy Family Fun Day, teddy bear picnics, and music festivals. 

Launch Forest School programmes and provide spaces to hire for parties, training, and conferences.

Every penny raised is reinvested into keeping Willsbridge Mill thriving as a free, accessible place for everyone.

Period Use / Significance 

1712 Built by Thomas Pearsall as iron-rolling mill

~1816–1837 Converted to flour/grist mill

Up to 1968 Operating as grist mill until floods damaged weir

Post-1968 Industrial use ceases; site begins to decline

2021 Willsbridge Mill Community Refresh CIC formed

Today Restored as a community café, event hub, and nature space.

 We host a calendar of family-friendly events throughout the year – from the famous Duck Race Weekend and magical Fairy Family Fun Day, to teddy bear picnics, live music festivals, craft markets, and seasonal celebrations. There’s always something happening to bring the community together.

 Alongside our events, we run an inspiring Forest School programme, giving children and young people the chance to learn, explore, and build confidence in nature. We also offer a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor spaces for hire — perfect for parties, training sessions, workshops, and even conferences.

 Every coffee, raffle ticket, or game you take part in helps us reinvest directly back into the Mill. That means upgrading our much-loved Fairy Garden, caring for the wildlife trails, and making sure this space stays free and welcoming for everyone, now and in the future.

 Most importantly, Willsbridge Mill belongs to the community. Whether you’re popping in for a slice of cake, joining in the fancy-dress parade, booking a party, volunteering your time, or just enjoying a riverside walk with the kids, you’re part of what makes this place so special.

 Willsbridge Mill is your Mill – and together, we’ll keep the magic alive.