Chesapeake Mill

The Chesapeake Mill stands in Wickham, Hampshire, beside the River Meon. Built in 1820, it is a working watermill turned into a shop for antiques and gifts. The five main beams on each floor, the floor joists, roof timbers and most window lintels came from HMS Chesapeake. The ship had been a United States Navy frigate before being captured by the Royal Navy in 1813. The mill’s timbers were bought by John Prior to build the new mill at Wickham. In 1996 a piece of the ship was returned to the United States and put on display at Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Another fragment followed in 2020, presented to the U.S. Navy Secretary during a visit to England. The building is Grade II* listed and remains a Grade II* listed structure. Visitors find antique shops and gift stalls inside the old mill. The original ship timbers are still visible in the floors, ceilings and window frames. Outside, the River Meon flows past the mill, adding to the quiet village setting. The building itself shows the craftsmanship of the early 19th century.