“The river made the mills. The mills made the
market and the market made the town.”
John Parker – High Wycombe Town Clerk, 1878
The river was the Wye and at one time, not so long ago, its short 10 mile or so length supported over 30 mills between its source near West Wycombe and its confluence with the Thames at Bourne End. The remains of some of those mills can still be found but most have disappeared under commercial or housing estates. One, however, narrowly escaped that fate and, although partially demolished in 1971, it has been restored to working order as a High Wycombe Society heritage project. That last working mill is Pann Mill … … and it can be found close to the A40 London Road at the west (town) end of the Rye open space. One of the six mills mentioned in the Domesday Book entry for Wycombe, and almost certainly close to the original location, we are keeping alive an important historical site. Archaeological investigation has found the remains of mills here going back to the 14th century. The restored mill is now run on open days and grinds locally grown wheat to produce wholemeal flour which is available to purchase. Now that the enforced closures due to Covid are drifting into dim memory we intend to open the mill and demonstrate the ancient art of milling again on the following Open Days in 2023:-
- Sunday 14th May (The Sunday of National Mills Weekend)
- Sunday 9th July
- Sunday 10th September (The Sunday of National Heritage Week)
As well as the regular open days we are pleased to welcome school and club groups for extended guided tours. Also our attractive gardens are always open for you to sit and rest and listen to the birds and the murmuring of the river flowing past. Please feel free to contact the Mill Team via e-mail or visit our dedicated web site www.pannmill.org.uk