Three Mills Island is as unusual as it is fascinating. It is a place where historic London meets modern renaissance.

Its presence is announced by two large quaint mills. It’s easy to imagine that they are time machines – to set your sights on them is to travel to another era.

The more extravagant of the two mills stands magnificently on her river bank perch. She cannot be missed.

The commanding presence of the ancient buildings is undeniable; they both defy and define the setting, cast in the midst of the flurry of modern development sweeping the Lower Lea Valley.

Who are the Three Mills?

Sitting on the banks of the lower Lea River, Three Mills Island is home to the House Mill, which was powered by four water wheels (in place but not currently operative), and the Clock Mill. Their partner-in-industry, a third windmill, is no longer with us.

The mills attract a unique blend of visitors including history buffs and spirits enthusiasts. And, add ordinary folks like myself to that list who never realised that an industrial heritage site could pique this much curiosity!

Getting to Three Mills Island via the Lower Lea Valley

The island is easily accessible by following a pleasant river pathway on the lower Lea Valley Walk.

Surprisingly, for such a scenic path, only a small number of walkers and cyclists appear to take advantage of it. These folks must cherish the rare luck of having uncrowded access to this sweet slice of London!

Visitors to Three Mills Island will not be disappointed. This hidden pocket of East London offers an impressive range of attractions – historic buildings, scenic canals, parkland, public art – all the makings of a pleasant afternoon in London.

Welcome to Three Mills Island

Three Mills Island is steeped in history. As in “dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period” steeped in history.

Before you may even learn about that history, you feel it. 

As you stand along the banks of the River Lea, your gaze lands upon the House Mill, the Clock Mill, and adjacent buildings.

The sight that greets you causes one to pause and question, “are we still in 21st century London?”

The feeling that overtakes you is one of having stepped out from a time machine as the brown bricks of a very distinguished, very ancient looking building (the House Mill) come into view.

Through a child’s eyes, it looks like a funky old house fitted with a pair of wizard’s hats.

And in reality, the Three Mills have worn several hats.

Three Mills Makes Waves in Britain’s Industrial Sector 

From as early as Anglo-Saxon times, these tidal mills produced massive volumes of ground flour and barley for the local bakeries.

Has there ever been a time in history when bread has not been in demand?

Also, for one brief moment in its product history, one of the former mills even produced gunpowder.

And later, when London’s Gin Craze swept the city like a tsunami wave, the mill owners seized the moment and began to distill gin from barley.

If you owned the mills back then, wouldn’t you ride the tipsy tides too?

Gin Storms on to Three Mills Island

Have you heard of Nicholson’s gin? This is the gin brand which was originally distilled at the Three Mills from 1873 until its closure in the mid-20th century.

They are credited as being the pioneers of the London Dry Gin style.

They also maximised the distillery production by transferring the waste product into a pig farming venture.

This led to the lucrative production of by-products such as soaps and cosmetics.

Three Mills “Gin and Cricket” Mixer 

In addition to expanding into the Consumer Goods industry, the Three Mills-based distiller also used its gin earnings to support London-based Sport in a major way.

With financial support from Nicholson’s cricket-obsessed chairman, Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) acquired land in London’s North-West. The land that would be converted to the world’s most famous cricket venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Also Read: Watch Cricket to Catch Lessons in Success, Not Runs

Industry Shake-Up

During World War Two, the distillery was badly damaged. Soon after, Three Mills hung up her distillery hat.

A residual threat from the Blitz would loom over Three Mills Island half a century later. In 2008, a huge German bomb was found in the vicinity.

Bomb disposal experts were swiftly dispatched to the banks of the lower River Lea, where they successfully disabled the ticking device.

Three Mills Island, a Producer’s Hub

Three Mills is now restored and involved in major productions again. Albeit in an entirely different industry.

It is now home to 3 Mills Studios, London’s largest film and TV studio.

Think MasterChef!

Or, travel back in time to the first ever Big Brother house. This once stood right next to 3 Mills Studios.

Another fun fact in the modern history of Three Mills Island has to do with the London 2012 Olympics.

3 Mills Studio was the rehearsal site for the Opening Ceremony of the Games. I imagine that after the excessive volume of hours dedicated to preparing the site, those volunteers may likely still be enjoying a long hiatus from the vicinity!

Apart from filming, Three Mills Island is also now used as an events space. It hosts tours, conferences, festivals, weddings, and educational projects.

With her amazing ability to outfit herself in different hats each century, one can only wonder what new look she’ll don in upcoming years. My anecdotal name for her may become Three Mills the millinery!

Three Mills Green, an Urban Oasis

We aren’t finished with discovery yet…there’s more. Stroll past the mills and wander north for another lovely surprise awaits: Three Mills Green.

This park is a terrific choice on a sunny day out. It makes a great picnicking spot for small groups of families or friends.

For families with young ones, a small play area called Wild Kingdom beckons.

Equipped with ropes, nets, tires and more, it is sure to thrill kids of all ages. And maybe a few adults too…

Three Mills Green also holds a special treat for art enthusiasts.

As you stroll towards the park’s exit, you happen upon a massive sculpture.

You are now viewing Reaching Out by the British artist, Thomas Price.

What do you think the artist’s message is?

This striking work of art is a project of The Line, London’s public art walk.

It is a wonderful salute to diversity in public sculptures in the UK. Given the current social climate, its installation in 2020 could not be more timely.

This now completes our journey through the Three Mills Island. If you continue onward there is much more beauty to enjoy across Lea River Park and along The Line!

Are you ready yet to throw on your time travel boots and walk over to Three Mills?