The Harnham Mill dates from 1135. The building was converted for use as Wiltshire's first paper mill in 1550 when the river was diverted to its present course under the building. Prior to 1550 it was used for ecclesiastical purposes and it is believed muniments from Old Sarum were stored here during the building of the new cathedral.
Harnham Mill is built of Chilmark Stone, bridging a branch of the River Nadder by three arches, the Mill Race, the Eel Stage and the Head Race Vent. A string of moulding runs across the front and round the end of the building's facade above the windows and doorways and is dated around 1200, while the quatre for windows in the end walls are circa 1250. The upper storey brickwork dates from 1559.
This low ceilinged, beamed building offers lunch and dinner menus, has a bar with real ales, and will serve excellent hot chocolate to freezing walkers who stop by to warm up. In the dining room, they have a plexi-glass window in the floor so diners can see the water racing under the building. The dinner menu was extensive, imaginative and the fish dish I ordered was extremely tasty. Although a bit pricey, the delicious food, attentive service and historic atmosphere made for a wonderful evening.