History of Kingsbury Mill:
Kingsbury Watermill is an important historical site that gained popularity as a watermill in the 16th century. However, its history along with the place dates back to the Medieval times when it was the heart of agriculture for the locals and was known as St Michael’s & Kingsbury.
Kingsbury Watermill is located on the River Ver, near the Ford & Bridge in St Michaels village, it also neighbours the Roman city of Verulamium. At first, Kingsbury Watermill was used for watering the farms and corn-fields, the locals decided to build it after realising the presence of a stream and its relevance to the farms. However, a large amount of timber was added to the mill in the 18th century followed by Georgian bricks.
Kingsbury Mill – Barn and Manor:
(Photo: The Manorial Barn A.k.a Kingsbury Barn, Kingsbury)
Kingsbury Mill was once served the purpose of a barn and a manor, both at different times. Kingsbury Barn was recorded to appear in the 14th century (1373) when the locals used it to store a significant amount of corn, grain and other livestock. It was built with timber which remained unaltered until the 20th century. However, visitors at the Waffle House Restaurant can still witness the historical marvel.
(Photo: Kingsbury Manor)
Kingsbury Manor, a private residence, was created during the medieval times. Since there was a need for administration for the reaped corn sheaves for storage, grinding in the mills and export purpose, therefore, Kingsbury Manor served the administrative mission on behalf of the Abbey that usually conducted the service.
History of Kingsbury’s Name:
(Photo: One of the oldest drawings of Kingsbury Mill)
The name Kingsbury has various points to ponder in the British history. Kingsbury or King’s Burgh is a Saxon origin name which meant a royal manor. Also, King Bertulph of Mercia housed a council in 851 which led to its name as Kingsbury, but it’s pretty much linked more the fact of Saxon theory. The watermill was present along the Saxon time to Norman Times until it was mentioned amongst the famous 5000 mills during the Domesday Survey in 1080-1086. This was also the time when St Albans received recognition and owned much of the land. Therefore, Kingsbury Mill came under St Alban’s geographic ownership in the 12th century.
Kingsbury Mill & The Waffle House Restaurant:
Today Kingsbury Mill is located at the Waffle House Restaurant that came to St Alban’s in the 1980s. The Waffle House Restaurant has gained quite a lot of popularity due to its adjacent location to the Kingsbury Mill which is still in the working condition today.
People who are interested in visiting this historic place can also book their rides with ‘A1 Taxis’ in just £5.
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