Quay Mill was built in the 18th Century as a tidal mill to grind corn.
The motive power came from the water trapped behind the mill pond wall at high tide, which was released at low water over a mill wheel. Later the mill was driven by a gas engine housed in the lean-to on the left of the mill, as can be seen below.
Did you know?
Early mills ran successfully with water power until the early 1700s when steam engines were introduced and then, in the early 1900s, diesel and town gas engines. This meant any mill or factory could be located anywhere, not just close to a local water source.
Milling ceased in 1903 and the building stored corn for merchants Dittman and Malpas. In 1977 Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club (ESSC) purchased the building and surrounding land. Over many years the ESSC restored Quay Mill to the magnificent clubhouse here, with 1,000 members and an RYA training centre.
- Emsworth Slipper Sailing Club on the Quay – www.emsworthslippersc.org.uk
- Information courtesy of Emsworth museum – https://emsworthmuseum.org.uk