A flour mill stood here (on the site now used by Barrow Boating) in 1086 - as recorded in the 'Domesday Book' tax census for William the Conqueror - which means that it was built before then. The last mill was demolished in 1938 as milling became uneconomic. The mill 'races' which channelled water past the undershot wheels can still be seen. The imposing Georgian house beside the canal bridge was built for a former mill owner. The row of cottages beside it was for the housing of the mill workers.