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History of Greet Lily Mill

Located a short distance from the town centre, on the outskirts of Southwell, stands a large brick industrial building – Greet Lily Mill. The mill stands on the river Greet on the site of Southwell’s medieval burgage mill. Although unlisted, it is a landmark building defining the entrance to the conservation area. 

In 1851 Charles Caudwell purchased the mill and for four generations the Caudwell family milled flour. Caudwell’s ‘Greet Lily Flour’ won the Nottinghamshire’s Bakers Cup in 1907, 1908, 1909, 1912 and 1914. 

The mill suffered serious fires on three occasions in 1867, 1893 and 1917 and was taken over by Associated British Foods, who closed it in 1977.

After standing empty in the 1970’s and 1980’s this former flour mill was eventually converted into residential apartments in the early 1990’s and retains a wealth of original features.