For 127 years, generations of the Pope family made a living from the fast-flowing River Wandle here at the site of the Upper Mill. Sadly we don't have any pictures of the Popes, but we do have a potential signature. This is from the last will and testament of Christopher Pope in 1764.
But first, let's start at the very beginning.
1086 - 1620
The early years at Carshalton
The site of this unassuming little building is a source of so much local history pertinent to the Carshalton area. The mill has been rebuilt and adapted many times over the years, and although the current mill building is relatively recent it still provides a reminder of the long and industrious past of the River Wandle, here at Carshalton.
1660 - 1787
Generations of the Pope family
The workers with the longest known connection to the mill went by the name of Pope, and it's fascinating to try and imagine the lives of these millers so long ago. They must have been a well-known family within Carshalton. Christopher Pope was one of the first recorded millers back in 1660.
1782
The mill is reconstructed by John Smeaton – famous for being the designer of Cornwall's Eddystone lighthouse
By the late 18th century the mill was considered long out of date. In 1779 the value of the mill was £1000. The owner at the time, John Hilbert, commissioned John Smeaton, a respected engineer to design a more efficient wheel.
It doubled in price following Smeaton's improvements. So on 18 November 1782 John Hilbert renewed his policy on the mill and dwelling house – now being worth £2000.
Smeat
1819 - 1880
The final years of corn
The Large Grade 2 wooden wheel you see in The Grove today has iron plates, and is thought to be the same wheel to have operated Charrington's flour mill. This mill was active from 1819 until the 1880s.
It's important to note the wheel was not in this position, but inside the building, and twice the width it is now. It was later adapted during the time of the Alpine-style mill.
It was a large and active mill and this is how it was described: "a very capital and most substantially erected Water Corn-mill, with an uninterrupted supply of water ... driving 5 pairs of stones to one 18 feet breast shot and one 6 feet overshot wheels, with bins for upwards of 1500 quarters of corn, ranges of stabling, sheds, kiln and loft, and other appurtenances, together with a comfortable and convenient dwelling house, large garden &c. in the occupation of Messrs. Charrington and Gray, on lease, which will expire at Midsummer 1822."
The Charrington mill was demolished in 1886.
1895 - 1922
Alpine-style mill built to generate electricity
By the end of the 19th century, in 1887, the Alpine-style wooden building you see today was erected by wealthy widow Aurelia Cator. The building rests on the old Portland Stone wheel pits by John Smeaton.
The building was designed as an electricity-generating plant. This was one of the first water mills to generate electricity.
2004
Today
Restoration was finally completed in 2004 and the building is occasionally open to the public. Tiled roof which has since been replaced with material more resilient in 2014. It's said below the Mill there was a swimming pool from 1923, now long disused.
We've recreated what it would look like with water in today.
Compiled by Secret Carshalton based on extensive research from a range of sources such as the Wandle Museum and Sutton Heritage. We aim to get the facts straight, but new info can always come to light – and we will make updates accordingly. We also aim to credit sources, if we've missed you off please let us know.
Table of Contents
1086 - 1620: The early years at Carshalton
1660 - 1787: Generations of the Pope family
1782: The mill is reconstructed by John Smeaton – famous for being the designer of Cornwall's Eddystone lighthouse
Panel: Plans and drawings of the new mill
Panel: More about Smeaton's Eddystone Lighthouse
1819 - 1880: The final years of corn
Panel: A Breastshot Wheel
1895 - 1922: Alpine-style mill built to generate electricity
Panel: The Turbine
2004 - Today
