Beeleigh Steam Mill

One of the most attractive and fascinating mills in East Anglia, Beeleigh Mill includes a rare beam engine and elephant boiler.

At a glance

Opening times

Open Days 2023

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 May for National Mills Weekend

Saturday 9, Sunday 10 and Sunday 17 September Heritage Open Days

For event enquiries: Events.ExploreEssex@essex.gov.uk

For filming enquiries: Filming.Explore@essex.gov.uk

Or call: 03330 138222

Find & contact

Abbey Turning, Maldon, Essex, England, CM9 6LJ
Get directions

essex.countryparks@essex.gov.uk

Parking & prices

Parking at the Museum of Power, Langford.

At this place

Dogs not allowed
Picnics allowed
BBQs not allowed

Introduction

This historical mill is one of the most attractive and fascinating in East Anglia. Once a major mill site, working up until the early 20th century, Beeleigh Steam Mill includes a rare Wentworth beam engine, elephant boiler and circular all-iron steam mill dating from 1845.

Visits by appointment.

There have been water mills recorded on this site since 1066, including in the Domesday Book. Records dated 1683 refer to two fulling (beating and cleaning of cloth in water) mills and two corn mills.

A channel of the River Chelmer once flowed through the site, operating the water wheels and giving access for barges. When rebuilt in 1795 the mill was five storeys high, with ten millstones and two water wheels.

Contemporary accounts describe many barges anchored around it, connecting with ocean-going ships at the Hythe in Maldon, bound for London and beyond.

Steam came to the mill in 1845, when the Wentworth beam engine and elephant boiler were installed, which remain in place in excellent condition. These drove a further 5 sets of millstones, making Beeleigh one of the largest milling sites in Essex. around it, connecting with ocean-going ships at the Hythe in Maldon, bound for London and beyond.

In 1875 the weatherboard water mill was complete destroyed by a fire that lit up the local countryside for miles. The steam mill survived and remains as it was left.

Open days

See opening times above.

Walks

You could include viewing the outside of, or an organised visit to, Beeleigh Steam Mill in a walk around the wider area, such as Navigation walks: Beeleigh and Ulting walk - PDF, 745KB, which is around 6 miles.

National Mills Weekend

Open on the National Mills weekend Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 May 2023.

Parking

You can park at the Museum of Power, Langford and walk to the site, a distance of around one mile.

Toilets

There are no toilets on site.

Accessibility

Because of the historical nature of the building, there is no disabled access. Spaces are confined on ground floor and in the beam engine viewing gallery.