The Queens Arms, Pitminster

The original use for this building was as a mill. First mentioned in 1036 it was the oldest recorded mill in the Taunton Deane area. The Doomsday Census of 1086 records the mill paying 16d per year rent, the deeds being held by St. Swithins Priory, Winchester. In 1208 the mill became part of the Taunton Deane Manor under the ownership of the Bishop of Winchester. From that time the accounts of its grinding and repairs to its fabric are entered on the Pipe Rolls.
1497 - The miller was John Hurman at a rent of 40s
1526 - ceded to the son of the above also named John
1558 - Joan Hurman widow of John
1561 - John
1613 - Robert Hurman, grandson of Joan
In 1613 the description of the mill included reference to a malt mill, newly constructed "under the roof" of the existing mill together with a plot of land 40' x 20' added from the Lords waste. In 1614 Robert Hurman sold the mill to William Hill of the Taunton merchant family responsible for the building of Pondersford Park. It was then kept by the Hill family for almost 80 years.
1691 - George Priest
1707 - Hannah Bussell daughter of George Priest
1727 - Peter Bussell son of Hannah
1728 - William Bowden
1731- Samuel Brown
1748 - Samuel Brown son of Samuel Brown
In 1852 James Buckland took over the running of the mill. It was during his ownership that the mill also became a public house, known then and since as the Queens Arms. James Buckland as doubled both the miller and innkeeper until 1882 when the inn was sold to Taunton brewers Messrs Hanbury. George Redwood was appointed as the first " true landlord". The Queens Arms has been maintained as a popular village pub to this day. Now the premises much enlarged and more comfortable the present landlord intends to retain that cosy atmosphere unique to the village "local".