This photograph is from 1905, when both of the Mill's wheelhouses were intact, and can be clearly seen

The Mill's history is, unfortunately, poorly documented. However, it is certain that a mill has stood at its current site for at least 1000 years.

The original mill was given to Ramsey Abbey in 974, five years after the monastery was founded. There is a mention of it in the Domesday Book, 1086, and various references thereafter.

After the dissolution of the Abbey in 1539, the Manor of Houghton-cum-Wyton passed to the crown, in whose hands it remained until King Charles sold it in 1625. Eventually, it became the property of Lady Sparrow in the 19th century and she leased the mill to Potto Brown from 1822 to 1862 and then to his son, Bateman, for 14 more years.

The mill had three waterwheels, two on the south side and one on the north; they were removed in 1930, when the mill ceased working. Much of the existing machinery is still in working order and now that the new wheel is fitted, Houghton Mill has now become a working mill once more.