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Bourne Mill - Farnham - Surrey from Jan Mcaffery
Pre-History ( from 'Surrey' by Nikolaus Pevsner )
1. There have been gravel pits on this site 3000 years ago. Acheulian hand axes have been found here. From the Mesolithic Period ( 3000 years ago ) Surrey has the longest surviving and earliest buildings in England. The first 'buildings' were 'man-made' dwellings and these were on the Bourne Mill site and at Abinger, Surrey. Today the Bourne Mill is the oldest building in Surrey. It is a Grade Two listed building.
Further History
2. The Romans were in the Farnham area - evidence has been found at the Farnham Potteries site and there is a ghost story reported of the sound of marching feet in the cellar at the Bourne Mill. A 'ghost hunting' group sat up all night and did hear a tramping noise from the cellar. The romans may well have marched through here on route to the Farnham site ( originally Fearn-ham )
Recent History
3. In the 1930's there was a Brothel in the Mill. The tiny window in the office overlooking the stairs was to observe people coming in.
4. In the 1960's there was a Night Club in the room on the lower right as you come in. The bar was there ( the actual counter until about 15 yrs ago ). Mick Jagger then unknown allegedly played there and many celebrities of the day visited ,including allegedly the famous couple Christine Keeler and Profumo!!!!!!
5. There is reputedly a ghost in the cellar of an old lady in a rocking chair.
6. The Mill is sited on a tributary to the River Wey originating in Farnham Park with enough flow to power the Mill. The original Mill's stone is in the garden beside the mill now , set in steps leading towards a pleasant mill-pond walk.
7. The Bourne Mill remains virtually untouched despite its history dating back to at least " The Domesday Book ". The original Mill building is on the right with its high attic rooms - there are additions on the left clearly identifiable by ceiling heights.
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