This renovated water mill was built in 1765 on the site of an old mill built in 1540.   Ronald Tolkien and his brother used to explore the area, when as young children, they lived nearby in the (then) Hamlet of Sarehole for a few years from 1896.   Frequently chased off by the miller's son whom they nicknamed the "White Ogre" because of his covering of white dust from the bones being ground up, the mill left its mark and re-surfaced as the great mill in The Shire.

Sarehole Mill is now a museum managed by Birmingham Museums and Art Gallery.  It opens from April to October, Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holidays from 11.30am until 4.00pm.  Admission is free.

The cafe area  has been a huge success.

For more information click on  www.bmag.org.uk