Advent Calendar Day 7

Hodson's Mill, formerly Scats Mill

The Mill has been derelict since 1999, when it closed.  The current building dates from the early 20th century after a fire destroyed the previous one.  There is thought to have been  mill in that location since the 14th century and it used water power.  First by water wheels and aftenwards by water turbines, and later by electricity. . The mill was fed by a man-made bay, wide and deep and the water level controlled by flood gates.  There is still water under the present abandoned mill.

Hodson's was a thriving mill and made a well known flour affectionately called Pride of Sussex.  Using flour from Hodson's Mill was often featured as part of the different award categories of Robertsbridge and District Horticultural show each year.

My Mum, Jessie White (nee Weston) worked in the office at the Mill in her first job after leaving school.  She stayed until she joined the Womens' Royal Air Force in 1943.

My Great Uncle Henry Weston lived in the High Street, Robertsbridge and also worked at the mill.  In the 1901 census he was (aged 20) recorded as a miller’s loader at a corn mill and in the 1911 as a mill hand stone dresser.  His son, George also worked at the Mill.

Scat's Mill made animal feed.