A group of Four Marks Putting Club members arranged a guided tour of Whitchurch Silk Mill on the River Test.

The equipment was originally driven by water wheel power but the 200-year-old bearings on the drive shaft need to be replaced so the wheel is currently out of service and the looms run on electric power.

The winding equipment, looms and creels were all in operation when the group visited, and two volunteers were spinning by hand.

Whitchurch Silk Mill dates back to 1813 and rests on Frog Island, with leats and offshoots of the Test on three sides.

Immediately downstream of the mill have lived Master of the Rolls Lord Denning, and actor James Robertson Justice.

Four Marks Putting Club spokesman Keith Chambers said: “The mill has benefited from a £2.4 million renovation funded by the lottery and donations. For anyone who hasn’t been, or not been in recent times, we would highly recommend a visit to this unique piece of Hampshire history.”