Hardham Mill was situated just above the junction of the River Rother with the Arun, about half a mile south of Stopham Bridge. The river was first penned back in 1785 to provide a head of water for the Arun Navigation in conjunction with Hardham lock. This head of water was later used for the mill, first built in 1827. Details of the mechanisms over the years can be found in Watermills of Sussex, Vol 2 by Stidder and Smith (2001). The mill was demolished in 1937 and the mill house was destroyed by a bomb in 1941. 

Hardham Lock allowed barges proceeding upstream from the tunnel to rejoin the River Arun which then allowed passage down to Pulborough or up to Newbridge and beyond, and also to enter the Rother Navigation which extended to Midhurst. It was thus an important link in the system until closure in 1888. The few toll records in the WSCC Records Office offer an insight into the complex web of cargoes and routes that it served. 

More information about Hardham and the tunnel, including a map, can be found in our Pullborough video.

Hardham tunnel is featured in out 2002 documentary The Lost Wey to the Sea, giving JB Dashwood's account of his journey through the tunnel while it was still in operation.