A HISTORIC mill will have regular public opening hours for the first time since the National Trust took it on in the Thirties.

The trust has previously only opened Bourne Mill, Colchester, on special days, but will be letting visitors in five days a week from Wednesday.

The move has been made possible by a Heritage Lottery Fund Young Roots grant, which is paying for a project to learn more about the history of the 16th-century mill. The centrepiece of the project will be the creation of aworking replica of a bicycle-powered fulling wheel.

To allow for the extra opening times, the grant will fund more volunteer opportunities, many involving Essex University.

Jules Armour, the building’s new manager, said: “Bourne Mill is a real undiscovered gem, a sort of historical Jekyll and Hyde, with genteel and industrial tales both present at the same time.

“We’re really pleased to be able to open such a wonderful building regularly this year and we encourage people to make the most of the opportunity by coming to see it.”

The Grade I listed working watermill, in Bourne Road, was built in 1591.

It was in use until 1935, when its main shaft broke. It then became a home, opening only occasionally sporadically after the National Trust took it on in 1936.

From Wednesday, however, Bourne Mill will open each week from Wednesday until Sunday until November 1.

Daily opening times wil be from 11am until 5pm.

Admission will be free on Wednesday, and after that, will cost £3.75 for adults and £1.90 for children. It will remain free to National Trust members.

For more information, call 01206 549799, or visit national trust.org.uk/bourne-mill