House mill volunteer Stig Buxbom explains to the children how the mechanism of the mill's water wheels work.

Children joined by Olympic mascot for educational treasure hunt at House Mill in Bromley-By-Bow

Else Kvist, Reporter Monday, July 16, 2012
5:16 PM

Olympic mascot Wenlock joined children for a treasure hunt to explore the history of the world’s largest surviving tidal mill at Bromley-By-Bow.

Beatrice Hughes, six, Bobbie Hartley, eight, and Betty Hughes, nine, grind grain in the stone at The House Mill.

The adventure in and around the House Mill and Miller’s House on Three Mills Island last Thursday kick-started an educational programme, called Discover Explore, aimed at challenging families to discover their local heritage sites and attract more visitors.

Siblings Beatrice, six, Betty, nine and Bo 10, of Devons Rd in Bow, along with their friend Bobbie Hartley, eight, investigated how people used to grind grain using the machinery inside the mill.

The House Mill is one of ten heritage locations, along the Lee Valley, which families can download explorer packs for at discoverexplore.co.uk before heading off for treasure hunts.

Explores can earn badges by correctly answering questions about the mission online.