Greenwich Mill Wheel Rises From The Thames

M@
By M@ Last edited 182 months ago

Last Updated 18 February 2009

Greenwich Mill Wheel Rises From The Thames

London's earliest known tidal mill has been uncovered in the peaty ooze of Greenwich Wharf. The structure dates from the late 12th Century, a time when London received its first Mayor, and King Dick was off crusading. Domesday Book notes three such mills in Greenwich a century earlier, and over 6000 around the country. The wheel was uncovered months ago during excavations for Lovell's Wharf, but has only just been press released (Greenwich Phantom has some theories about that). The structure measures 10 by 12 metres—a similar size to one of the luxury three-bedroom apartments under construction at the site (Greenwich Phantom has some opinions about that). The mill wheel is largely intact and itself measures 5 metres across. The whole structure has been sent to York for further examination and its ultimate fate is unknown.