Historic mill restored

The site of a watermill dating back to Roman times is being restored to benefit the local community.

Swale Borough Council is once again working with the Sittingbourne Society to enhance the site of the ancient mill in Periwinkle Close, Milton Regis thanks to UK Government funding.  

The mill wheel has been restored and painted and the surviving brickwork repaired - using materials salvaged from the original mill house - to make sure this important heritage asset can be enjoyed for years to come.  

New landscaping will also create an oasis for flora and fauna to thrive, by adding wooden planters, native trees and by transforming the concrete water tank into a planter for wildflowers.

New flooring, grating, fencing, railings, paths and improvements to the entrance have made the mill more attractive for all residents to enjoy.

The project aims to bring to life the long and rich industrial heritage of the site in what is now a relatively quiet and primarily residential area in Milton Regis.

The mill house was razed to the ground by the then owners in the 1960’s as it was in such a dangerous condition, but pieces of mill machinery remained on the site.  

Archaeological investigations in the 1960’s found Roman Samian pottery shards on the site, suggesting its use as a mill spanned two millennia.

Swale Borough Council is investing £60,000 of UKSPF funding into the mill, which was identified in its heritage strategy as one of the sites to be improved to help conserve the borough’s rich heritage.

The United Kingdom Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) aims to promote and enhance local arts, culture, heritage and creative events, and activities in and around town centres.

The Sittingbourne Society is once again supporting the site by providing an additional £33,000 towards the improvement works.

Once the works are completed the mill will act as an important heritage linking point between the town centres of Sittingbourne and Milton Regis.

Cllr Monique Bonney, chair of the Economy and Property Committee, said:

“This mill has stood the test of time, representing and highlighting so much of our borough’s rich history spanning through the ages.  

“And now thanks to UKSPF funding we are able to restore and enhance the mill and its surrounding gardens into a lovely space.

“Thank you to the support of the Sittingbourne Society who are helping us protect this important piece of history.”

Cllr Mike Baldock, Swale’s Heritage Champion, said:  

“The Periwinkle Mill is a unique and important reminder of Swale’s industrial history going back all the way to the Romans.

“These kinds of heritage features are rare and need to be protected, so we are proud to be able to invest in the site, and to make sure it lasts for future generations.

“It is in a perfect location to act as a heritage bridge between the historic town centres of Sittingbourne and Milton Regis, and this project perfectly demonstrates our commitment to protecting our local heritage.”

Richard Calvert, the Sittingbourne Society Chairman, said:
“The Sittingbourne Society is pleased to see the regeneration work on the Periwinkle watermill.

“The Society was involved many years ago when a group of enthusiasts worked on the derelict site to make improvements, but also raised money with the idea of having a larger development including a museum.

“That didn’t happen, but the money raised was looked after and invested so that in partnership with the council the site could be enhanced and become attractive to visit.

“The Periwinkle was the second of four water mills and a tide mill which drew power from the stream that led from Chalkwell to the creek in the days before steam or electrical power. They were used for grinding flour from the crops grown in local farms.”

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