How it all began ...
In 1901 milling company W and J Clarke was taken over by the partnership of Mr A. F. Woodrow and a Mr Richards. That partnership was dissolved in 1905.
Around the same time, the original water wheels were removed and a new roller mill was installed in what are now called the West Offices. Steam power was introduced with a beam engine and Galloway boiler.
See more of the old mill and old Botley here ...
This stunning aerial image from the turn of the 20th Century shows how the main mill was like a moated castle with water virtually surrounding it.
This amazing image from the 1920s shows how the current mill workshop and wooden silo offices above were originally built on concrete columns with the river flowing beneath.
In 1921 the Botley Flour Milling Company was officially founded.
A few years later in 1923 the Appleby family first invest in the company and the roller mill is moved and upgraded.
In 1928 Fred and Arthur Appleby buy the remaining shares in the company and Mr Woodrow retires.
This is also the year the wooden grain silo is built.
Steam powered trucks began to replace horse power. Note the telephone number on the cab side - an indication of the early importance of the mill in Botley's communication history.
More photos of the mill's rich transport history here ...
After the death of Fred Appleby in 1935 Kenneth Appleby becomes Managing Director.
The outbreak of World War II in 1939 increases the significance of smaller mills when the Government takes control of flour production.
Staff outings became a regular feature of working for Botley Mills
More photos of trips and events over the years here ...
With the aid of German prisoners of war, Mr Tickner, foreman, designed and built the river retaining wall at the rear of the site to facilitate the yard expansion.
The end of the war resulted in new innovations in animal feed production.
In 1948 compound feed milling was introduced.
More photos of the mill's internal workings here ...
The continuing increase in animal feed production leads to the construction of new raw material silos in 1950.
After Kenneth Appleby dies in 1953 Peter Appleby becomes Managing Director.
The remainder of the decade sees the first press being installed in the Old Mill in 1954 and the steel silos built in 1957.
More photos of VIP visits and events here ...
This decade sees big changes with the feed mill being moved into the original roller mill building, the condor shed constructed and the front yard filled in.
In other significant developments, the Romney Shed was erected at the back of the site to store barley and second floor was added to the order office building.
An early colour photo of the roller mill in the part of the building now occupied by The Gun Shop
In 1970 the Feed Mill is upgraded and a mixer plant installed under the archway.
Expansion continues in 1974 with an extra press and finished product bins. A fire in 1975 destroys the original Flour Store and a new flour warehouse is built.
The 1970s saw the development of Keepers Choice game feeds which became the industry’s leading brand.
See how the mill at Botley has evolved over the decades here ...
More photos relating to Botley Mills in the news - good and bad - are here ...
This decade starts with disaster when a large fire destroys the Feed Mill.
Stoneground flour grew in popularity resulting in the existing mill stones being upgraded with a modern facility in the Romney shed in 1985.
See how Wildern Mill evolved over the decades here ...
The start of this decade saw traditional milling end at the Botley site and more of the buildings re-developed for other commercial uses.
By the mid 90s commercial space was expanded further when four purpose built ‘craft units’ were built under the Condor Shed.
By the end of the decade there were around 20 tenants at the Botley site and it was becoming a sought after business location.
More photos of the mill at Botley from the air here ...
During 2008 feed production was gradually shifted to Porte Marsh Mill in Calne, Wiltshire.
In September 2008 Wildern Mill was closed and the land was sold to a developer who subsequently demolished the buildings and constructed a mix of commercial and residential properties.
This period saw the major refurbishment of the old mill roofs, restoring the building that dates over 250 years.
The restoration of the old mill has now made it possible to display the original Ruston engine and mill stone running gear as a feature in The Old Mill Restaurant.
More photos of the people of Botley Mills here ...
The Country Stores at Botley Mills has grown and developed to offer a wide range of products for pet, equestrian and farming needs.
Our trained, friendly staff know how important your animal’s welfare is and will be delighted to take you through our extensive ranges, offering advice on nutrition and health.
We stock a wide range of products for all animals from Bailey's, Dodson & Horrell, Spillers, Badminton, Dengie, Chudleys, Skinners, Burgess, Allen & Page, Felix, Bartholomews, and many other leading brands.
Click here to visit the online store >>
The decade starts on a positive note when a new bridge is opened across the river at the back of the Botley site to give access to a large woodland car park for staff and tenants. Then the global pandemic struck!
The mill has had its fair share of difficulties to overcome both natural disasters and financial struggles – The Great depression of 1930’s, war time milling control measures during WWII, major fires in 1975 and 1980 and the floods of 1993, 2016 and 2021...
... however, the business has survived by being adaptable and evolving with the times.
At Botley Mills, we have a wide range of office and retail units available to let on flexible terms. Ranging from 150ft² to 3,000ft², we are sure to have something available to meet your needs.
For more information, simply call us on 01489 782202.
With the world now showing signs of recovering from the disruption of the last 2 years, the future is looking much brighter. The significant growth in residential and commercial activity in the surrounding areas will continue to increase business demand.
Botley Mills has always been a much sought after location for people to base and grow their businesses. And with its unique characteristics and calm ambience it will always be the jewel in Botley’s crown.
Here is a small selection of the more public facing businesses who have made the mill their home ...
