TV historian backs mill restoration

Dan said: "The House Mill is the largest remaining tidal mill in the world and is a hidden gem in a deprived area of east London. The building is hugely important both for its heritage value and its future potential to generate hydro-electricity.

"Future potential to generate hydro-electricity"

"I am delighted to support the campaign to see it restored and today, 23 June, we are launching a partnership, the Three Mills Partnership, to secure the future of this fantastic building."

The Three Mills in Bromley-by-Bow were crucial to the existence of Londoners during the medieval period when they were used to grind the wheat to supply the whole of the city with flour. In the 1500s, the mills were used to grind gunpowder before grinding corn for local distilleries from 1728 until the early 20th century.

After bombing during the Blitz, the House Mill fell into disuse and disrepair before being rescued by The River Lea Tidal Mill in 1985. With a grant from English Heritage, The River Lea Tidal Mill restored the exterior of the building.

New life for 21st Century

Roger Hanbury, Chief Executive of The Waterways Trust and chairman of the Three Mills Partnership, said: "This is a truly remarkable building with a rich and fascinating history. Whilst the exterior of the House Mill has been restored, now we want to see its tidal mill wheels restored, so we can bringing tidal power back to the site and generate hydro-electricity, giving an 18th century building a lease of life for the 21st century."

As a first step, the Partnership has submitted an application to English Heritage and other bodies to raise funds for an options appraisal which would help determine sustainable solutions for the House Mill and site. The options appraisal will tell the Partnership what is practically and technically feasible. The Partnership will then launch a fundraising campaign to restore the mill’s wheels and interior adaptations.

The Three Mills Partnership consists of representatives from: The River Lea Tidal Mill Trust, The Waterways Trust, English Heritage, Heritage of London Trust Operatios, British Waterways, London Development Agency, London Thames Gateway Development Corporation, London Borough of Newham, Lea Valley Regional Park Authority and Leaside Regeneration.