In medieval times this was the service area for Reading Abbey and here in the 12th century the monks built the Abbey mill to provide flour for the Abbey and it was fed from the Holy Brook. In more recent times it had two waterwheels, one wide and one narrower, and was owned by S.M. Soundy, who in 1904 built a four-storey mill over the medieval arches on the original site. This new mill, powered first by steam and later by electricity, was sold in 1960 and demolished in 1964. After demolition only a medieval arch over the Holy Brook remained and these ruins are Grade II Listed.
Continue along the path and crossing the bridge turn right and exit onto Abbey Street where you will find an information panel on the Abbey Mill. This is the end of the walk.