Mr Moleceys Mill
MR MOLECEY’S MARVELLOUS MILL
11th SEPTEMBER 2025
On a pleasant sunny morning a number of us from the YMCPRA history group met at Molecey’s Mill near West Deeping and was warmly greeted by our host and one of the owners of the Mill, Graham Magee. As we stood admiring the beautful views of the Mill and grounds, Graham was soon telling us about the history of the land and the water channels surrounding the Mill. At one time the Stamford canal ran directly in front of the former watermill which was once part of a canal system and opened in 1670 – about 100 years before the start of the industrial revolution. Mr Molecey purchased his section of the canal in 1873/4. The canal ran from Stamford to Market Deeping little of it is left now as mostly ploughed up, only a small stretch still exists which is in front of the property. The River Welland feeds the Mill stream that powers the mill wheel.
We entered the Mill through a large dovecote, now used as the perfect wine cellar and bar for the events that are held at the Mill. Graham demonstrated how young boys would have probably climbed up the walls of the dovecote to collect the eggs etc. We continued through the Wheel house which is still in perfect working order, as demonstrated by Graham, into the living area of the old Mill. Here we started to get a sense of how life might have been for the Molecey family who had lived there during the 18th and 19th centuries.
In 1958 the Van Geest family (famous for producing bananas) bought the property and lived there until 1986. When they moved out the property was divided into two, The Mill House and the Granary. Graham explained that he and his partner bought the Granary in 2015 and in 2019 purchased the Mill House and converted them back to one property again.
After learning about the old Mill house and its workings, Graham took us through to the present residential side – little did we realise what a secret gem awaited us!
We toured through room after room, amazed at the level of sympathetic restoration and the superb level of decoration. The artefacts and furnishings were truly outstanding. In the dinning room Graham informed us of the previous owners, some are claimed to still be there and now and again will make their presence known!
Graham’s incredible knowledge and passion for the history of the property was truly amazing. We heard so many stories and learnt so much.
We ended our tour in the delightful room overlooking the mill stream enjoying tea and biscuits.
We would recommend a visit to Mr Moleceys Marvelous Mill – it’s not to be missed! A huge thank you to Graham for his friendly welcome, his passionate tour and incredible knowledge.
We all reluctantly left promising ourselves that we will return to Molecey Mill again.
We had lunch together at the Bertie Arms at Uffington then made our way home all agreeing we had had a marvellous day at Mr Molecey’s marvellous Mill!