Slipper Mill Pond Preservation Association
Registered Charity No:277744

Slipper Mill

Slipper Mill at the turn of the century - Note  cottages on Slipper Road in the background
Photo thanks to Tony Yoward

In the mid 1700s the dockyard in Portsmouth was growing rapidly to counter the threat from the French and the demand for flour to support both the naval and civil population increased dramatically. Sites for watermills besides the streams had been all developed so the entrepreneurs turned to tidal locations. Slipper Mill was amongst the local mills built in this period. 

Slipper Mill  was built by Thomas Hendy in the 1760's as part of his development at the mouth of the River Ems.

Grain loft   Mill Stones   Flour bagging   Undershot wheel
	Section through a mill thanks to Tony Yoward

The mill itself was built close to the bank over the water, with a large flanking store on the site of the present "Slipper Mill" building.  The mill was rebuilt on several occasions following fires caused by the very dusty atmosphere and overheating bearings being the probable cause. 

In 1912 a great storm swept the mill house away and the miller and his family were relocated in the Roundhouse until Slipper Mill Cottage was built (by Quinnells (IoW) Ltd).

The mill was sold with a restrictive covenant in 1936, and finally ceased working in 1939.

Clipping courtesy Tony Yoward

The mill itself was demolished as was the former store which was converted into dwelling units for sale in 1970.

The undershot mill-wheel is still in position underneath them and the tail race opening can be seen underneath the balconies on the West side of the building.  Traces of the foundations of the mill wall flank the garage wall on the North side of the complex.