Old Mill Yarmouth

The construction of the Mill causeway in 1664 was undertaken with the purpose of sealing up Thorley Haven, which had seen significant siltation.

At this juncture, it is postulated that the creation of a mill pond was undertaken to accommodate the first construction of the inaugural mill, which was constructed using wood.
The construction of the current mill was undertaken in the year 1793 by William Porter, a resident of Newport. He was a vibrant individual – an individual who achieved success by his own efforts, despite lacking the ability to read or write.

The Yarmouth Mill served as his final undertaking, as the Newport Bank, which had provided financial backing, became apprehensive about the magnitude of his business empire and subsequently retracted its support. The condition of Porter was severely compromised.

• A brief History of Yarmouth