"The Crabble corn mill is probably older than the paper mill,
although the present structure, being similar to the mills at Buckland,
Stembrook, and St. James's Lane, was probably rebuilt, with those before
named, during the wars at the beginning of the 19th century, by the aid
or encouragement of the Victualling Department, to furnish supplies for
the troops and the Navy. In the year 1818 the mill was owned by
Mr. Joseph Webb Pilcher, a member of the Dover Corporation, who, five
years later, was Mayor of Dover. About the year 1836 this mill
became the property of the Mannerings, and is still owned by Messrs.
Mannering, although their principal operations are carried out at the
steam mills at Buckland. The surroundings of Crabble corn mill are
charming. The great mill pond on the roadside, over which swans
gracefully glide, and wild water-fowl disport themselves, the banks of
which are gay with flowers, forms a picturesque scene over which artists
linger with unceasing pleasure. Below the mill the stream,
bordered with flower beds and shrubberies, is equally pretty, opposite
the residences of Major Standen and Mr. E. P. Coleman. The gardens
surrounding these residences are pleasant features, and a stately,
old-time aspect is given to the locality by lines of Scotch firs, now
probably of more than a century's growth, which some former owner
planted round the meadows.
