Townsford Mill in Halstead was built in 1740 and can be found at the bottom of the town’s High Street. It was originally water powered and subsequently converted to steam. As the first Courtauld´s mill, Townsford’s claim to fame was that they once produced silk crepe for Queen Victoria´s mourning gowns. It is now home to over 60 antiques and collectables dealers covering over 5000 square feet and two floors. The ground floor has a restaurant and cafe bar with outdoor terracing overlooking the River Colne.