Watermill at Mapledurham House

Today I met up with friend and fellow blipper Beverley (Landscapeartist) at Mapledurham House in Mapledurham, Reading.

As we were early, we headed over to Pangbourne and had a walk along the bank of the river Thames. We were surprised to see a grizzly on the river! Arriving back at Mapledurham, we boarded a cruise boat for a leisurely boat ride along the river. 

We then visited the watermill which dates back to 1626. There were once wheels on both sides, however one was replaced by a turbine in 1922 which pumped water and generated electricity for the estate. The mill ceased working in 1947.  Restoration of the mill brought it back to working order in 1977 and remains the last working watermill on the Thames and still produces flour. 2011 saw the addition of a state-of-the-art Archimedes screw turbine - the first hydro powered turbine on the river Thames. This produces green electricity. It is controlled by a computer system to maximise the amount of electricity produced according to the level and flow rate of the river. The watermill is best known for its starring role in the 1976 film, The Eagle Has Landed and also features on the cover of a Black Sabbath album. My blip shows the watermill with the water flowing from the turbine which is situated behind the bridge. Here are other shots of the watermill and wier.

We wandered past the beautiful St Margaret's Church and sat outside in the sun for a delicious cream tea. The time flew by and it was only when we entered Mapledurham House that we were told that we only had fifteen minutes before they closed! Pop over to Beverley's blip to find out how we were nearly locked in for the night!

Thank you so much Beverley for organising this meet - it was a very enjoyable day :)